Comment Time on Chandler Busway

The MTA is giving a cost of $285 million for the Chandler busway, but officials seem to be forgetting the $159 million paid for the right of way. Most or all of this could be recouped by converting it to parks or selling space to business and homes along the right of way.

The MTA states that it can cut travel time from the North Hollywood station to Warner Center with the busway to approximately 28 minutes. It also plans to stop only for 20 seconds per stop. As it claims the buses will not go faster than 35 mph, anyone can see that the 14-mile trip, plus the turnaround at each end and the stops along the way, make this impossible. Also, these buses will control the traffic signals, so they will become a major hindrance to north/south travel on the streets. Less than half the new stations will have any parking. The ones that do will not be controlled, so members of the public will have access whether they ride the bus or not.

I do not live near the proposed busway, so it is not in my backyard. However, it is my tax dollars they are planning to squander.

Gene Hardy

Valley Glen

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Thank you for “Comment Time Is Extended for Planned Busway” (July 11, Valley), about residential opposition to the busway all along the 14 miles of proposed construction. The MTA board should delay its vote [now scheduled for July 26] until all the public comment has been taken into account. Also, there are additional environmental studies that have just been given to the residents, and a delay would allow more time for them to be examined. Mayor James Hahn needs to appoint three members to the MTA board. We wouldn’t want to think the lame duck board members would be the ones to decide such an important issue.

Marsha Roseman

Van Nuys