Hearings for the downtown rail connector

Hearings set for Blue and Gold light rail link plans - ContraCostaTimes.com

Hearings set for Blue and Gold light rail link plans
Daily News Wire Services
Posted: 03/30/2009 06:44:24 AM PDT
Updated: 03/30/2009 06:45:56 AM PDT

The public will have four opportunities beginning today to offer input on a proposed project to link the Blue and Gold light rail lines in downtown Los Angeles.

Under the current system, a transfer from the Blue Line to the Gold Line requires a transfer to the Red Line between Metro Center and Union Station.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will hold four meetings to gather public comment as part of an environmental review analyzing different possibilities for building the proposed two-mile link to simplify the process.

Eventually, the regional connector is envisioned to connect up with the Gold Line Eastside Extension and the Expo Line, as well.

``By providing continuous through service between these lines, the regional connector will improve regional mobility, minimize transfers, reduce station crowding and improve access to both local and regional destinations,'' a Metro statement says.

Metro officials estimate the connector could reduce one-way trips across the county by 10 to 30 minutes.

The public meetings will be held at the following times and locations:

-- 4:30 p.m. today at the University of Southern California's Davidson Conference Center, 3415 S. Figueroa St., Alumni Room;

-- 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Lake Avenue Church, 393 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena;

-- 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. First St., Los Angeles; and

-- noon Thursday at the Los Angeles Central Library, 630