The Westside of Los Angeles is known for its beautiful beaches, inviting neighborhoods – and mindboggling traffic jams. Five years ago, work finally began on the Exposition Line, a light rail line that would run from Santa Monica to downtown LA. But its construction has been plagued by delays, contract problems and political maneuvering. The budget now sits at $899 million—about $250 million over its initial projected cost. Residents hoped the first trains would run this summer, but now hear they may be delayed by a year or more. Why is the project so off-track? And when, ultimately, will Westsiders get their first ride?
Guests:
Gene Maddaus, reporter for the LA Weekly who wrote an investigative piece on Expo cost overruns and delays
Darrell Clark, co-chair of Friends4Expo Transit, and a long-time supporter of the line.