http://laist.com/2008/05/08/downtown_connec.php All comments for Downtown Connector: Above or Below? en-us 2008 la_carrie Thu, 08 May 2008 18:00:40 -0800 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss carrielmeathrell@msn.com carrielmeathrell@msn.com 60 http://laist.com/2008/05/08/downtown_connec.php#comment-1358810 http://laist.com/2008/05/08/downtown_connec.php#comment-1358810 Comments Thu, 08 May 2008 23:23:15 -0800 <p>The Militant actually prefers an at-grade option for the Downtown Regional Connector. Not only for cost reasons, but as DTLA becomes more and more pedestrian-oriented, be aware that the relative downside to subterranean rail is that it takes a few minutes to go from street level to the platform -- especially in Los Angeles' deep-bore subway, which, due to its seismic-resistant design, is at least 60 feet below street level (NY's subway is considerably shallower, running literally under the streets, thus taking less time for pedestrians to reach the trains). Having an opportunity for pedestrians to hop on a street-level platform in seconds (as they do in Downtown Long Beach or Pasadena) should be an added option in Downtown Los Angeles. Plus sidewalk development by the stations would soar...</p>