On the right track for transit
Imagine a public transit system that connects Pasadena with North
Hollywood through Burbank and Glendale.
Thousands of commuters, not only from those cities, but from the
foothills, too, could have access to such a line, and with it access
to major San Fernando and San Gabriel hubs for work and recreation.
Burbank took a much-needed step toward such a scenario last week
when it pitched in $30,000 for a joint study with Glendale and
Pasadena that would look into the feasibility of such a route though
a region of 300,000 people.
Could it be a rail line? Could it be a bus line? That’s what the
study would look at. Either way, one is needed.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority trains run northwest to
North Hollywood through the Red Line and they go northeast to
Pasadena via the Gold Line from downtown to Los Angeles.
But no service exists that connects those lines through the
heavily populated regions in Burbank and Glendale.
A bus line is being carved though the San Fernando Valley linking
its southern and northern edges. A noble vision now is to link the
border between the San Gabriel and San Fernando valleys with
transportation hubs in Los Angeles. The possibility leaves hope for
moving people more efficiently in an area where freeway gridlock is
all too real during big chunks of the morning and evening commute on
the Ventura (134) Freeway and Golden State (5) Freeway. A line could
ease congestion and provide an alternative for people.
Public transportation is a commodity long lacking in Los Angeles
and one that desperately needs to be expanded.
Now that Pasadena and Burbank have pitched in to fund the $90,000
study, the Glendale City Council must follow suit at its next
meeting, when the issue is to be taken up.
It could be a feather in the cap for tri-city cooperation, which
hopefully will lead to funding for such a line.
Glendale and Burbank city staff members have already had several
meetings about it.
This is a possibility that should not be shelved.
So far, the cities are on the right track -- let’s follow it on
home.