Eastside Extension Light Rail Transit: Mobility, Connectivity, and Integrated Project Design in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension (MGLEE) provides an example of a successful light rail transit (LRT) investment. The project has garnered local and national attention for successful completion on time and on budget. The six‐mile extension has improved mobility and accessibility for a largely transit-dependent, predominantly Latino population. The project, originally conceived as part of a proposed heavy rail subway extension, now connects riders east of downtown Los Angeles to the rest of the region via LRT. Development of the project involved long-term and ongoing involvement from the area stakeholders and residents, through a review advisory committee, which helped shape the design and local integration of MGLEE. Today the project provides both at‐grade and underground service and includes two underground LRT stations. In particular, underground stations have served to enhance public space. Mariachi Plaza station exemplifies integrated project design, weaving transit service into the existing landscape of the community. The plaza provides space for musicians, outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets, and other cultural festivals. New investments in bike lanes, enhanced sidewalks, and streetscape design have also improved accessibility. MGLEE offers a unique example of a light rail project that has improved mobility within the context of a diverse urban community and involved local residents in the process.

• Record URL:
  • https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/22467
• 
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00978515
• Authors:
  • Villalobos, Monica
  • Sosa, Ray
• Conference:
  • 12th National Light Rail Conference
  • Location: Salt Lake City Utah
  • Date: 2012-11-11 to 2012-11-13
• Publication Date: 2013-11

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: pp 51-68
• Monograph Title: Sustaining the Metropolis: Light Rail Transit and Streetcars for Super Cities
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Circular
  • Issue Number: E-C177
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0097-8515

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Case studies; Connectivity; Light rail transit; Line extensions (Rail transit); Mobility; Rail transit stations; Urban design
• Geographic Terms: Los Angeles (California)
• Subject Areas: Design; Planning and Forecasting; Public Transportation; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01514778
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Feb 20 2014 10:19AM