The lies are going to cost taxpayers billions. It will cost drivers untold wasted hours on a clogged freeway. When they expanded the 405 going into the Sepulveda Pass, we were told it would alleviate the gridlock. After spending $7 billion–$3 billion more than they claimed it would cost, no change. The 405 is still gridlocked most of the time. The right answer, double decking was never considered.
The plan for a “subway” to cost $25 billion is not about traffic—it is about paying off greedy corporations and unions. So, you have a subway? Who is going to use it? You still need a car to get to the subway, which will go only a few miles—then you need a car at the end of the ride, to get to work and meetings during the day. At what cost will you have for the ride? Oh, think it will really cost $25 billion? Think it will be ready in 16 years—heck, the lawsuits will not be compelted by then. This is a minor league version of the train to nowhere scam.
“The Metropolitan Transportation Authority continues to develop a plan behind closed doors for a subway between the Valley and Westside that will cost a minimum of an astronomical $25 billion with a targeted completion expected in 2040. And that is if we are lucky given Metro’s reputation for massive cost overruns, years of delay, and significant litigation. This alternative will require a significant increase in our sales tax, already one of the highest in the country. In addition, this fixed rail alternative will be obsolete before it is finished and require massive annual subsidies. “
Residents on both sides of the Sepulveda Pass believe that a monorail along the 405 will have the same capacity, be completed by 2033, and cost only $8 billion, an amount that fits within Metro’s budget that was outlined in the 2016 half cent increase in our sales tax.”
Sepulveda Pass: Metro Continues to Lie and Mislead Angelenos
FRED ROSEN AND BOB ANDERSON, City Watch, 12/18/23 https://www.citywatchla.com/la-election-2022/28156-sepulveda-pass-metro-continues-to-lie-and-mislead-angelenos
LA TRANSPO – The Metropolitan Transportation Authority continues to develop a plan behind closed doors for a subway between the Valley and Westside that will cost a minimum of an astronomical $25 billion with a targeted completion expected in 2040. And that is if we are lucky given Metro’s reputation for massive cost overruns, years of delay, and significant litigation. This alternative will require a significant increase in our sales tax, already one of the highest in the country. In addition, this fixed rail alternative will be obsolete before it is finished and require massive annual subsidies.
Residents on both sides of the Sepulveda Pass believe that a monorail along the 405 will have the same capacity, be completed by 2033, and cost only $8 billion, an amount that fits within Metro’s budget that was outlined in the 2016 half cent increase in our sales tax.
To date, Metro has stonewalled Angelenos who have asked for information about alternative plans and associated costs. As a result, frustrated residents recently ran an advertisement in the Daily News and the UCLA Daily Bruin asking Mayor Karen Bass ([email protected]), Chair of the Metro Board of Directors, to direct Metro management to be open and transparent (hallmarks of her administration), provide us with the necessary information on a timely basis, and hold management accountable.
Wonderful ! Another transportation system to nowhere at extreme expense planned by highly paid people that will never use it. Hidden graft, lies to public about usage and poor connectivity will ultimately add to State debt and deliver another unsafe boondoggle.