LOS ANGELES | Downtown Project Rundown 3.0

[Sodha]

Regarding the transportation issue...I think this is most critical to developing a strong city. What's pathetic is that we have sprawled out b/c people want "someplace to park", thus we create these areas where transit is inaccessible (i.e. Century City, Burbank studios, Santa Clarita, etc...), thus people have no choice but to drive. If we start developing this mass transit system, people will want to work where they can commute via metro. I moved to downtown so I could walk to work, or take the Metro for a night out in Hollywood/Universal City/Long Beach. And, I have to tell you, it's awesome not having to worry about drinking & driving. We need to strongly advocate for an efficient mass transit system, like the Transit Coalition does. A strong system will allow for more development and get rid of these ridiculous parking requirements. Imagine a nice trolley going from South Park to the Historic Core. Quality life will shoot up. As much as we are all interested in LA building development, transportation will be the key driver. I can't wait for the day gas hits $5/gallon, people will HAVE TO start thinking of alternatives. Maybe then, we'll be allowed to convert some major corrider & freeway lanes to "bus only" or even remove lanes for rail transit. It's a sick dream, but it's the only way Angelinos will wake up and realize the car mess we are in.

I was in the California Science Center today and found out that car emissions is responsible for 1/2 of L.A.'s smog. And yet, we still want more roads?