L.A. Metro’s “end-of-the-line” policy forces people experiencing homeless off transit every night at the same time and location. A proposed hub would provide services a few stops before the end of the line in Long Beach.
A recent public hearing to discuss a plan that would locate a new homelessness services hub near a station on the A Line (née Blue Line) light rail route drew 150 people and heated controversy, according to an article by Jason Ruiz for the Long Beach Post.
“[Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority] and [Long Beach] officials are considering the proposal after Metro’s board of directors voted last month to look at creating a hub to alleviate the effect its end-of-the-line policy was having on Downtown months after the city asked the agency to reevaluate it,” explains Ruiz.
The end-of-the line policy requires Metro officials to force about 40 homeless of the system at the First Street station every night. Los Angeles County is home to one of the largest populations of people experiencing homelessness in the country, with resulting issues that frequently challenge the region’s transit system. Unfortunately, the transit agency’s proposed response to provoking local controversy.
“During a mostly civil meeting hosted by the Wrigley Association, residents voiced their apprehension about having a hub located near their community, saying that it could damage the area’s ability to attract new businesses, potentially create public safety issues and continue to place the burden of homeless services on an underserved part of the city,” reports Ruiz.
The controversy surrounding this proposal, exemplifies the difficult task facing local officials. On one hand, the public demands for people experiencing homelessness and mental health crises be removed from the transit system; on the other hand local opposition to housing and services ensures they have nowhere else to go.
Metro proposed that the hub be located near the Willow Street station, “given its large, underutilized parking lot, where temporary housing and other services could be located,” according to the article. The Willow Street Station is located a few stops short of the First Street terminus of the A Line—about a 15-minute ride away from the end of the line.
More details are included in the source article, below.
FULL STORY: Wrigley pushes back on Metro’s proposal for A Line homeless service hub
Newly Opened Regional Connector Redefines Light Rail Transit in Los Angeles
Three rail lines have become two rail lines in Los Angeles, providing one-seat rides from four corners of Los Angeles County.
Light Rail Repair Project Falls Short of Promises in Los Angeles
The former Blue Line, now the A Line, with service from Log Beach to Los Angeles, was shut down in segments for ten months (originally scheduled for eight) for repairs. The weeks since the reopening have been marred spotty, slow service.
A New 'Transit Homeless Action Plan' for Los Angeles
Transit can be a vital resource for the homeless. In Los Angeles, where that population is growing, this is doubly true.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution
The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.
Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas
Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.
San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes
San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service