Wilshire Boulevard Traffic; Now New & Improved!

Councilwoman Greuel took to the podium to echo the Mayor and to endorse the efficacy of the traffic signal synchronization program stating simply that “the system produces results and will reduce our travel time.”

LADOT’s GM, Rita Robinson stepped up to reaffirm the Mayor’s commitment to a Green City and reminded the audience “We’re all Traffic!”

In spite of the bountiful supply of statistics that were offered as confirmation that the ATCS system will improve Wilshire Blvd. traffic, the audience responded by asking “But how does it work?”

Apparently, vehicles traveling on Wilshire Boulevard at a speed within 2 mph of the 35 mph speed limit will be greeted with green lights throughout the corridor. The downside of the bias in favor of Wilshire Blvd. vehicular traffic is that this plan will then have a negative impact on north/south vehicular traffic on streets such as Vermont, Western, La Brea, Fairfax, La Cienega, and Sepulveda.

Another detail that didn’t come up was the impact of a capacity increase, which critics claim will attract more single occupant vehicles resulting in the same gridlock that this plan purports to address.

In spite of the affirmation that “We’re all Traffic!” no mention was made of how this plan will impact pedestrians, cyclists and mass transit passengers.

Meanwhile, the Bus Riders Union stood their ground and challenged the Mayor to step up and implement the Bus-Only Lane Project for Wilshire Boulevard. The plan includes curb lane repairs and bus prioritization resulting in an increase of the number of people who are moved though the corridor without an increase in single occupant vehicles.

The Mayor responded “We’re at war. It’s sucking our material wealth. We’re in a recession and we’re in the middle of a budget crisis.”

At this point it appeared that there was the potential for a decent dialogue on transportation issues, priorities and solutions but the moment passed as the Mayor shifted his attention to the highlight of the Press Conference, the unveiling of the “Seal of Approval” signs that will be posted at Wilshire’s synchronized intersections. Not only will motorists be treated to a ~35 mph ride down Wilshire but they will be also reminded of the wisdom of their route selection by the new “Signal Sync” signage!

The Mayor took the time to remind the audience that he made a promise to the people of Los Angeles when he was elected and that promise was to synchronize the traffic signals. He then clearly stated “and I expect to be held accountable.”

Through it all, the Mayor managed to urge the people of Los Angeles to “take the Metro, walk, and get out of the Single Occupant Vehicle” as remedies for the gridlock that plagues LA. Unfortunately, he maintained his record for avoiding the use of the word “Bicycle” when discussing transportation solutions. But he did use the word “accountable” and that’s a good segue to his inaugural speech of 2005:

“So, Los Angeles, join me in fighting for the investment in public transportation that's the hallmark of any great city. Join me in implementing the common sense traffic plans that have been bottlenecked for too long. Join me in transforming Los Angeles into a city that connects our communities and brings us all closer together.”

Apparently it’s now on us. The Mayor has asked us to join him in fighting for public transportation and he’s asking us to hold him accountable.