This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Series of public meetings on Metro's $120 billion spending plan begins
The new service, Line 501, will connect the Metro Red and Orange lines in North Hollywood and the Metro Gold Line in Pasadena.
(
Metro
)
FILE: Cars snake through the Sepulveda Pass near the Getty Center on I-405. The stretch is one of the most congested in the country. Metro hopes to build a subway tunnel underneath it if Los Angeles voters approve a sales tax increase.
(
jonathanpoh/Flickr
)
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority on Tuesday kicks off a series of 10 meetings to hear from the public on a sales tax increase the agency hopes to put on the November ballot.
Last month, Metro released a draft plan for the ballot measure, which would add a half-cent sales tax for 40 years in Los Angeles County, and extend an existing half-cent sales tax. The revenue generated would fund construction of major transit, highway and biking projects.
Metro has proposed a project list and timeline it hopes to follow if two-thirds of county voters approve the ballot measure. The list includes a subway tunnel under the Sepulveda Pass, acceleration of work on the Purple Line subway to Westwood and an extension of the Gold Line to Claremont.
You can see the full list and timetable here.
Metro CEO Phil Washington stressed the proposal is only a draft.
"There's gonna be changes to the plan," he said. "But we're being responsible in putting out a plan that's going to address our needs now and for the next 100 years."
Metro will be gathering public input at the following meetings in April as well as through its website and a series of telephone town halls to be held in May.
- Tuesday, April 5, 2016 (6-8 p.m.) Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center, 29900 Ladyface Circle, Agoura Hills
- Thursday, April 7, 2016 (6-8 p.m.) Grace T. Black Auditorium, 3130 Tyler Avenue, El Monte
- Monday, April 11, 2016 (6-8 p.m.) Marvin Braude Constitution Service Center, 6262 Van Nuys Boulevard, Los Angeles
- Thursday, April 14, 2016 (6-8 p.m.) Carson Community Center, Room C, 801 East Carson Street, Carson
- Tuesday, April 19, 2016 (6-8 p.m.) Larry Chimbole Cultural Center, 38350 Sierra Highway, Palmdale
- Thursday, April 21, 2016 (6-8 p.m.) Plummer Park Community Center, 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood
- Saturday, April 23, 2016 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) Metro Headquarters, Board Room, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles
- Tuesday, April 26, 2016 (6-8 p.m.) Gateway Cities Council of Governments, 2nd Floor Conference Room, 16401 Paramount Boulevard, Paramount
- Thursday, April 28 2016, (6-8 p.m.) Rita Walters Learning Complex Auditorium, 915 West Manchester Avenue, Los Angeles
- Saturday, April 30, 2016 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.) Virtual/Online Community Meeting. To attend, the public can log in at metro.net/theplan.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
