News Summary
A recent rally at UCLA highlighted the push for a station within the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project. Student leaders and officials voiced support for alternatives that prioritize efficient public transit over highway expansions. The proposed project aims to significantly reduce commute times for students and improve transportation access in the region. With projections of 120,000 daily riders, the initiative underscores the importance of community involvement in shaping transit solutions that address the pressing transportation needs of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles – A rally for a proposed UCLA station within the Sepulveda Transit Corridor (STC) project gathered approximately 10 student leaders and elected officials at Bruin Plaza on October 10. The push for a UCLA station is part of a larger initiative to improve transit options between the San Fernando Valley and the Metro E Line, expected to be completed in 12-15 years.
During the event, attendees actively voiced their support for alternatives four and five of the STC plan, which would include a stop at UCLA. The rallying cry “4 or 5, not the 405” emphasized their opposition to a highway-centric approach to transportation, advocating instead for public transit solutions that prioritize efficiency and accessibility.
Jack Feng, the vice president of external affairs for the Graduate Students Association at UCLA, underscored the importance of the proposed station by highlighting the long commute times many students face, often exceeding two hours daily. He argued that better public transit options are essential for alleviating these burdens, noting that alternatives four and five are projected to attract about 120,000 daily riders, according to estimates by LA Metro.
Imelda Padilla, a Los Angeles City Council member, described the STC as a “generational investment” that addresses the transportation challenges faced by countless students in the region. While she has yet to endorse any specific route and expressed concern over monorail alternatives, her support for student involvement in the project is clear. Freddy Puza, the vice mayor of Culver City, also emphasized the transit project’s role in reducing traffic congestion and enhancing equitable transportation access, while acknowledging that many constituents remain unaware of the initiative.
The STC project currently includes five proposals for construction, featuring two monorail options and three heavy rail alternatives. Notably, Alternative 1 lacks a direct connection to UCLA, providing instead a bus link from the Wilshire Boulevard station. In contrast, alternatives four and five are both offered by Sepulveda Transit Corridor Partners, a consortium of contracting firms. Alternative 5 is primarily underground, while Alternative 4 features elevated sections, with both options promising travel times of under 20 minutes.
The project has been in planning since 2017, reflecting a long-term commitment to enhancing transport options across Los Angeles County. A Draft Environmental Impact Review released by LA Metro in June allowed for public comments until August, facilitating the selection of a preferred alternative to be proposed to the Metro Board of Directors.
Experts indicate that improving transit service can foster greater public engagement, highlighting the necessity for a UCLA station within the STC project. By encouraging the use of public transportation, the initiative aims to reduce air pollution and overall travel time for students and residents alike.
The involvement of UCLA students in advocating for a station demonstrates the importance of community voices in shaping transportation policies. As future leaders in their respective fields, students are urged to mobilize around this critical project, which promises to yield improved transit solutions for everyone in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Bruin: UCLA Metro Stop Rally
- Van Nuys News Press: Students and Leaders Rally for Sepulveda Transit Corridor
- Los Angeles Business Journal: Sepulveda Heavy Rail
- Daily News: LA Metro Releases Costs for Sepulveda Pass Project Alternatives
- Wikipedia: Public Transport in Los Angeles
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
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