The Vermont Corridor needs to be an extension of the Red Line, even if it requires reconstructing Wilshire/Vermont station. This provides an impetus to create a direct US to Hollywood route that can also interline with a corridor underneath SMB. This 4.5-mile, 5-station solution would not be cheap (probably $6-7 billion), but it would be very cost-competitive because of the interlining, connections, and the areas served. Or they could consider this as a stand-alone connector line with potential for future integration.
This alignment would:
• Create a more direct route to Hollywood and the SFV from US
• Lay the groundwork for a direct US-WH route along SMB
• Serve large chunks of Echo Park and Silver Lake
• Dedicated Dodger Stadium stop, which would also serve nearly all of Angelino Heights
• Serve the entire residential portion of Chinatown and Grand Arts High School while still being within walking distance of Olvera Street and Chinatown
• Quick shuttle bus service to Vermont/Beverly and Vermont/Santa Monica stations