Urbanism
L.A. Metro Officially Opens the K Line, Marking a New Transit Milestone for Los Angeles County
The opening of the K Line — previously known as the Crenshaw/LAX Line — marks the official return of rail service on Crenshaw Boulevard since the last Los Angeles Railway Line 5 yellow street cars trundled down the street in 1955 — nearly 70 years ago.
The opening of the K Line — previously known as the Crenshaw/LAX Line — marks the official return of rail service on Crenshaw Boulevard since the last Los Angeles Railway Line 5 yellow street cars trundled down the street in 1955 — nearly 70 years ago.
To mark its historic milestone, Metro will provide free rides on the K Line and all other Metro bus and rail lines and Bike Share services all weekend starting Friday at noon until the end of service Sunday night, Oct. 9. Metro encourages Angelenos to explore new communities now accessible via the K Line as well as to access area entertainment venues, sporting events, dining and shopping areas.
The new line represents Metro’s single largest transportation investment in the South Los Angeles region since the construction of the Metro A Line (Blue) and C Line (Green) more than 20 years ago. It is anticipated to open new access to opportunity for numerous South L.A. communities, including the Crenshaw Corridor, Hyde Park, Leimert Park, Fairview Heights, Inglewood and Westchester, by connecting these communities with new local destinations as well as the rest of Los Angeles County’s expanding Metro Rail system.
“What was conceived decades ago as only lines on a map and a hopeful dream have today been made a reality thanks to county taxpayers’ investment in Metro,” said Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Chair and Ara J. Najarian. “We now have a train that Angelenos can take to reach destinations they never could before via Metro Rail. The K Line is the perfect example of how Metro is continuing to transform public transportation for the better in Los Angeles County.”
The rail line through this South Los Angeles corridor was the ambition of city leaders since the formation of Metro in 1993. Previous officials supporting the line’s construction included Mayor Tom Bradley, Rep. Julian Dixon, Ambassador Diane Watson and Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite-Burke, among others.
“Today, we’re fulfilling a dream that started with Mayor Tom Bradley and was carried on for decades by countless community leaders and elected officials: world-class public transportation in South Los Angeles,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Angelenos generations from now will recognize the opening of this line as a new chapter in Los Angeles’ transportation history – as a moment where we opened doors of opportunity to communities that had been ignored for too long and put our commitment to making Los Angeles a more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable city on the fast track.”
“With seven new stations and two more to come, the new Metro K Line will bring improved public transit to many underserved neighborhoods that have gone too long without easy access to public transit,” said Senator Alex Padilla.“I’m proud to have helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which makes the single largest investment in transit ever to continue connecting our communities. I’ll keep working in Congress to build on these investments in modernizing our outdated, crumbling infrastructure.”
The $2.1 billion K Line was largely funded by local tax dollars. Metro’s Measure R transportation sales tax measure was approved by voters back in 2008. The line also included key federal funding grants and loans that helped ensure the timely start of construction. Prior to Measure R’s 2008 passage, however, earlier plans for a train service along the Crenshaw Corridor languished due to the lack of local funding.
“Residents and businesses along the route of the new K Line have been looking forward to the expanded access this rail line will provide to work, school, shopping, entertainment, and LAX,” said Congressmember Maxine Waters. “I worked very hard to ensure federal support for this corridor, which resulted in $233 million in grants and a $546 million loan, and I am proud to see it finally coming to fruition.”
“I’ve long supported federal funding for Southern California to build out the region’s public transportation options, which is why I’m so pleased that the new K Line is opening,” Senator Feinstein said. “Once stations at LAX are complete, L.A. residents will be able to travel to the airport without having to leave the Metro system. This project will increase connectivity and mobility for the city, reduce car traffic and provide a vital service to visitors as the city prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.”
The K Line is a part of Metro’s ambitious rail expansion plan in Los Angeles County. With Metro’s other Measure M voter-approved transportation tax measure in 2016, the agency now has the biggest rail expansion program in the United States. Metro is now simultaneously building the Regional Connector Transit Project in downtown L.A. and the Purple (D Line) Extension Project in three separate segments that will connect downtown Los Angeles with West Los Angeles. Metro’s construction authority partner, the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority, is also building an extension of the L (Gold) Line further east in the San Gabriel Valley. Numerous other Metro Rail and Bus projects are now in various stages of development today.
Now that the K Line is open, Angelenos can visit key cultural events and venues in the historic Crenshaw Corridor, public parks and major venues in Inglewood, and have easier access to medical facilities and job and commerce centers throughout Los Angeles without the hassles of traffic and parking.
“The K Line fulfills a long-awaited promise to the community and ushers in a new era of equitable transportation investment that connects the Crenshaw Corridor and Inglewood residents to convenient, fast, reliable and low-cost rail transit,” said Metro Board First Vice Chair Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker. “What’s more, it will provide a new gateway to jobs, education and healthcare for our communities that need it the most.”
“South Los Angeles fought hard for decades for the Crenshaw Line and today they reap the rewards of their patience,” said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Holly J. Mitchell. “We are not only opening the K Line but also welcoming riders to the future of Metro from new alternatives to public safety programs like Transit Ambassadors to acknowledging disproportionate cost burden through the LIFE program and intentional investment in the community.”
Metro anticipates the line will carry more than 32,000 daily boardings by the year 2035. During this time, ridership is expected to continue to grow once Metro’s new Regional Connector line opens to the public early next year, the K Line’s two remaining stations open in the next couple of years and all bus lines and bus stations that serve the line are fully integrated.
“With the K Line opening, Inglewood will now have three light rail stations in the City of Champions that will link residents and patrons to The Kia Forum, Sofi Stadium and soon, Intuit Dome, the future home of the Los Angeles Clippers,” said Mayor of Inglewood and Metro Board Member James T. Butts. “Little by little, we are becoming the world’s center of sports and entertainment, thanks in part to the K Line coming to our city.”
By 2024, Metro will complete a new station to connect the K Line with Los Angeles International Airport via its People Mover to airport terminals, finally providing a direct transit connection to one of the world’s busiest airports for the first time. Connecting Metro Rail directly with LAX will be critical for both domestic and international travelers attending the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
“When we make the all-important connection to LAX, the K Line will be the fastest, most convenient transportation choice for residents, travelers, visitors, and airport employees alike,” said L.A. City Councilmember and Metro Board Member Mike Bonin. “This line will simply be the best choice for travelers and will finally give them a viable transit alternative to driving to the airport.”
The K Line was designed and built with the help of community input and local voices. This transit project ushered in model programs that are now used on all of Metro’s major construction projects. For example, this was the first project to employ Metro’s Board-approved small business mitigation programs: the Business Interruption Fund, Business Solution Center and Eat, Shop, Play. These programs helped to support small businesses in this corridor during construction.
“After decades of going without rail transit, I’m proud to lead Metro as it delivers the K Line to Crenshaw, Inglewood, and all the other south Los Angeles communities.” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro. “We’re eternally grateful to the area’s residents and businesses for hosting us in the community during a long and technically complex construction period. I know the K Line will be well used and well loved by these communities and the rest of Los Angeles County for decades to come.”
Grammy award-winning music icon Dr. Jody Watley officiated Metro’s opening ceremony today with members of the community and officials.
“I was thrilled to be part of this historic opening of Metro’s K-Line,” Watley said. “The day was very special for me. I am a local to this area. I attended and graduated from Dorsey High School, which is just minutes from the new station.”
Metro now plans to expand the K Line north. The agency is now developing a draft environmental impact report that will explore alternatives for extending the K Line to reach Hollywood. Metro plans to release its draft report for public review and comments in 2023.
Riders can purchase a commemorative K Line TAP card to prepare for regular fares on Monday, Oct. 10. These TAP cards will be available at all Metro ticket vending machines.
For additional information about the K Line, please visit https://kline.metro.net/.
Source: LA Metro
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Dozens of cyclists and pedestrians are killed each year in Philly − an injury epidemiologist explains how to better protect bike lanes, slow drivers down and reduce collisions
D. Alex Quistberg, Drexel University
Over 60 pedestrians and cyclists have been killed each year in Philadelphia in recent years.
Compared with other big cities, Philadelphia’s death rate for both pedestrians and cyclists is higher than New York and Chicago but lower than Los Angeles and Houston.
Across the U.S., more pedestrians and bicyclists are killed or seriously injured today than any time over the past 40 years. Over 7,500 pedestrians and over 1,100 bicyclists died in traffic collisions in 2022, the most recent year with available data, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
As an injury epidemiologist in Philadelphia who studies pedestrian and bicyclist injuries in the U.S. and Latin America, I want to share several evidence-based ways that Philadelphia can make walking, biking and getting around the city safer for everyone.
Protect bike lanes
Protected bike lanes have physical barriers that prevent drivers from entering the bike lane to park or pass other drivers.
They are particularly useful on high-volume cycling corridors and offer cyclists much more protection than lanes that are merely painted but have no physical barriers or lanes with flexible posts that can be driven over.
Flexible posts, for example, were unable to block the collision that killed Barbara Friedes, chief pediatric resident at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, in Center City in July 2024 when a drunk driver sped through the bike lane where Friedes was bicycling.
Research suggests protected bike lanes can improve safety for pedestrians and drivers too. This is likely because they tend to cause drivers to slow down.
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and other local bike safety advocacy groups have called for the city to replace unprotected lanes with protected lanes and also add protected bike lanes to more roadways that currently don’t have any.
In October 2024, the city announced it will install concrete barriers to protect the bike lanes on Spruce and Pine streets in Center City, including where Friedes was killed. That same month, the City Council unanimously passed a “Get Out the Bike Lane” bill that increases the fines for drivers who stop or park in a bike lane.
Slow drivers down
Traffic-calming measures are engineering and road design strategies that slow vehicles down, make pedestrians more visible to motorists and provide safer crossing areas.
They include speed humps, curb extensions and protected intersections, as well as 20 mph speed zones.
Automated speed enforcement, which involves cameras that capture the license plates of drivers who are speeding, has led to major reductions in speeding and serious collisions on Roosevelt Boulevard. The street, which runs through North and northeast Philadelphia, has been named one of most dangerous roads in the country in various analyses by news and transportation organizations. Due to this success, the city plans to expand automated speed enforcement to Broad Street in 2025 and potentially other locations in the future.
Traffic-calming measures can benefit all road users by reducing traffic congestion so drivers and public transit riders face fewer delays. They can also boost nearby businesses by increasing foot traffic and making business corridors more pleasant for shoppers.
Encourage fewer cars on the road
Philadelphia can adopt more policies that promote walking or biking over driving. These include open streets or ciclovías, where streets are closed down to motor vehicle traffic and opened to cyclists and pedestrians. Philadelphia occasionally does this on stretches of 18th Street and Walnut Street in Center City.
Increasing parking fees can also reduce traffic congestion. Parking fees generally do not reflect the true cost of driving in cities, which includes maintaining parking spaces and infrastructure. The low cost of parking is essentially a subsidy to drivers. While there are fears that reduced parking hurts business owners, substantial evidence indicates businesses benefit from increased foot and bicycle traffic.
The city could also reduce the number of parking spaces and implement congestion pricing, which involves charging fees to drive in certain areas of a city to reduce traffic congestion.
This may be a challenge, considering the recent experience of New York City, which spent decades preparing for congestion pricing only to have it blocked by the governor, though it seems it now has a chance of being implemented. How much success New York has with congestion pricing will likely determine the feasibility in Philadelphia and other U.S. cities.
Improve public transportation
Expanding public transportation and lowering or eliminating fares can also help protect pedestrians and cyclists by reducing car use. I believe these measures could help ensure the other policies mentioned above are effective.
However, Philadelphia’s public transportation is currently in a critical state. Facing funding shortfalls due to years of declining ridership, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority has proposed service cuts and significant fare increases beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Gov. Josh Shapiro has spared the system from these cuts for now by flexing federal highway funds, but long-term solutions are needed to ensure the survival and revival of public transportation in Philadelphia.
Addressing gun violence, drug use and other crimes may also make public transportation in Philadelphia safer and more attractive. While violent crimes on Philadelphia’s public transportation have dropped dramatically in 2024, four people have lost their lives on SEPTA vehicles so far this year.
Collect better data
Considering the increase in road traffic deaths in Philly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, substantial efforts are needed to reach the city’s Vision Zero goal of reducing road traffic deaths to zero by 2030.
In my view, this includes better data on transportation use and which interventions and policies are working and which are not.
Road safety surveillance could be improved in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania by linking crash records to other data, such as hospital and clinical data of crash victims, as well as insurance costs to better understand the burden of road traffic injuries on the city and the state.
Data is also key to ensuring public policies are implemented equitably. The Vision Zero plan includes a focus on lower-income neighborhoods and those with higher proportions of racial and ethnic minorities. Those areas have three times as many serious injuries and deaths as other neighborhoods, and road traffic injury and deaths rates are 30% higher among people of color compared with white residents.
D. Alex Quistberg, Associate Research Professor, Urban Health Collaborative, Drexel University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
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Urbanism
The Legacy of Goodyear Rubber Company: Pioneers of West Coast Tire Manufacturing
“Discover the legacy of Goodyear Rubber Company, the pioneers of West Coast tire manufacturing in Los Angeles.”
The Goodyear Rubber Company, situated at 6701 South Central Avenue in Los Angeles, played a pivotal role in shaping the West Coast’s tire manufacturing industry. As the first tire company in the region, Goodyear paved the way for other manufacturers to establish their presence, leading to the growth of a thriving rubber industry in Los Angeles.
Historical Significance
Goodyear Rubber Company’s establishment on the West Coast marked a significant milestone in the region’s industrial development. By the mid-1920s, the company’s success inspired other tire manufacturers to set up facilities in the area. This, in turn, led to the emergence of support industries and plants, creating a robust ecosystem that provided materials, services, and equipment. By 1928, Los Angeles became the second-largest rubber manufacturing center in the United States, thanks to Goodyear and three other major rubber companies.
Goodyear-California’s Growth
Despite occasional economic setbacks, Goodyear-California continued to expand and meet the expectations of its parent company in Akron. By 1941, the Goodyear-California plant was supplying 11 western states, Alaska, and Hawaii with a remarkable daily production of 15,000 tires. The plant employed between 1,500 to 2,500 workers, contributing significantly to the local economy. Its success not only manifested Goodyear’s commitment to innovation and quality but also solidified Los Angeles’ position as a vital hub for rubber manufacturing.
End of an Era
Sadly, in February 1979, after facing financial difficulties, the Goodyear-California Complex was forced to close its doors. However, the impact of this pioneering company remains etched in the memories of those who witnessed its existence. The facility went on to serve as a filming location for movies and TV shows until it was eventually demolished in the mid-1980s.
The Goodyear Rubber Company’s legacy in Los Angeles is one of innovation, growth, and economic significance. As the first tire manufacturer on the West Coast, it laid the foundation for the thriving rubber industry that followed. The Goodyear-California plant’s contributions to both the local and national economy will long be remembered and celebrated.
Link to info about Goodyear Los Angeles referenced in this article: https://www.loc.gov/item/ca1293/
The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
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Lucas Museum: Celebrating Narrative Art in LA
“Discover the captivating world of narrative art at the Lucas Museum in LA, founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson.”
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is a remarkable addition to the vibrant cultural landscape of Los Angeles, California. Established by acclaimed filmmaker George Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, the museum is poised to become a pivotal hub for visual storytelling across diverse artistic forms.
Lucas Museum
Nestled in Exposition Park, the museum features an extensive collection encompassing myriad artistic mediums. From striking paintings and evocative photography to intricate sculptures and compelling illustrations, the Lucas Museum is dedicated to celebrating the transformative power of narrative art, engaging audiences, and conveying profound messages through its exhibitions. As the museum evolves, it continues to enrich the conversation around art and storytelling, inviting visitors to experience narratives that resonate on multiple levels.
One of the standout features of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity and diversity. The museum aims to celebrate art from a multitude of cultures and backgrounds, giving voice to underrepresented narratives and perspectives. This focus on inclusivity is not only manifested in the museum’s eclectic collection but is also vividly reflected in its thoughtfully crafted programming and community outreach initiatives. By engaging with local communities and diverse artists, the museum fosters a rich dialogue that honors different traditions and storytelling techniques.
Designed by the acclaimed architect Ma Yansong of MAD Architects, the museum’s stunning building is a work of art in itself. Its unique and innovative architecture seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment, creating a harmonious space that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the diverse world of storytelling. The dynamic design features flowing forms and open spaces, allowing natural light to play a crucial role in enhancing the overall aesthetic experience. This architectural masterpiece not only serves as a physical shelter for art but also symbolizes the fluid nature of narrative.
The museum’s website, lucasmuseum.org, offers a captivating glimpse into its vision and future exhibits, generating palpable excitement among art enthusiasts and fans of George Lucas’s cinematic legacy alike. It serves as a vital platform for engaging with the museum’s mission and provides ongoing updates about various programs and events that aim to foster a sense of community and anticipation leading up to its grand opening.
The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art stands as a testament to the profound power of storytelling to inspire, educate, and unite people from all walks of life. It embodies George Lucas’s passion for narrative and creativity, creating a space where art can be experienced, appreciated, and understood in its many forms. The museum will not only display art but also offer educational workshops, lectures, and events that will enrich the visitor experience and promote a deeper understanding of narrative as a vital component of human experience.
As the museum prepares to open its doors, the anticipation continues to build, with Los Angeles eagerly awaiting the opportunity to explore the rich world of narrative art. The Lucas Museum promises to become a cultural landmark—an inspiring venue where imagination and creativity converge. It aims to be a place where the stories that shape our lives are not just preserved, but celebrated and explored, ensuring that the legacy of narrative art endures for generations to come.
The museum is set to open in 2025…
For more information please visit: https://lucasmuseum.org/
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