Proposals for light-rail lines running to Los Angeles
International Airport appear to be stalled again, according to a recent story
in the Los
Angeles Times. County transportation officials rejected four proposals to
build light-rail stations underneath LAX’s terminals, a key component in
getting people to use this transportation method. According to surveys, Angelenos
would use the Metro to get to the airport if they had direct access to the
terminals. Under current plans, the nearest rail stations would be at the
southern end of the runways and about 1.5 miles east of the terminals.
Most people who need to get to the airport aren’t thrilled
about the idea of taking a train that stops near the airport, but doesn’t allow
them easy access to the terminal. The same survey also found that the number of
transfers would affect how many people actually take the train. After all,
getting to LAX should be as easy and hassle-free as possible. Even for those
who already live along the Green Line (which currently has stops near the
southern end of the LAX runways), getting to the terminals requires the use of
a shuttle. And if you have to take a shuttle either way, why not just take your
own car?
Public transportation only works when the convenience of
riding the train greatly outweighs taking your own vehicle. Trains run on their
own schedule, not the individual commuter’s, so they have to offer numerous
advantages to make up for this difference. Trains that fail to take travelers
to the LAX terminals are not convenient at all. And with the second light-rail
line – which will have a station 1.5 miles away from the terminals – not scheduled
for completion until 2019, it seems like those flying out of LAX will be left
with few options for the time being, other than driving their own vehicles. On
the plus side, taking your own car means you can leave and arrive according to
your schedule.
No comments:
Post a Comment