A survey conducted on behalf of Metro found that residents still support Measure R, which boosted LA County's sales tax up a half cent in order to raise $30 to $40 billion for transportation projects. However, it also found that people feel projects are moving too slowly to get the region out of gridlock. According to the LA Times, the poll of 605 registered county voters finds (with a plus or minus margin of 4%)...
- 68% generally favor the measure compared to 61% in 2005
- Of that, 45% strongly favored Measure R compared to 31% in 2005
- 61% feel projects are not moving fast enough
- 77% in favor of light rail projects
- 73% in favor of the Westside Extension subway (nicknamed as the Subway to the Sea)
- 73% favor expanded bus service
- 75% favor more carpool lands
- 75% also favor more Metrolink Service
- 90% want more highway improvements, proving car is still king in the SoCal mindset
As for projects nearing completion, the Gold Line Eastside Extension from Union Station to East LA is schedule to open sometime this summer and the first phase of the Expo Line from downtown to Culver City should open next summer. The Orange Line extension to Chatsworth should open in 2012.
