Measure R’s Already Paying Off for Crenshaw
by Tony Chavira
L.A. County transit officials today approved a new light-rail system through South L.A. and the South Bay.
The 8 1/2-mile light-rail line would run from Exposition Boulevard to Imperial Highway, following Crenshaw Boulevard and passing through Leimert Park before veering west through Inglewood and south to Aviation Boulevard near LAX.
“It’s a huge victory for the Crenshaw community and the South Bay community,” said Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. “I expect it will have a highly positive impact on the quality of life in that corridor.”
The line, which would run along Crenshaw Boulevard, is the biggest beneficiary to date from Measure R, the half-cent sales tax for transportation that L.A. County voters approved last year.
MTA officials said Measure R revenues will cover the approximate $1.7-billion cost of the line. But that amount will only pay for a mostly above-ground system, which has been criticized by some residents and officials.
This is seriously fantastic news. Not only will this line connect the Subway to the Sea to the Exposition Line, but it'll also move south to the Green Line and have a stop at the airport! I don't know what to say except that I'm so so glad I voted "yes" for Measure R and I'm mighty glad you did too. I've alwasy felt that light rail should always make two critical connections: 1) to the sports venues and 2) to the airports. The Exposition Line and the Blue Line both stop in front of the Staples Center. Next up: a Dodgers Stadium line...?
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