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.