Was there a time it was considered that “The City of Angeles,” had reached “Peak Car?”

I recently came across an article posted by the Metro Digital Resources Librarian on the Dorothy Peyton Gray Transportation Library and Archive web site run by Metro Los Angeles. The article talked about LA’s new obsession with the automobile and how it gained popularity, in the early 1920s.

Peak Car Era

Library researchers pointed out that notable resources concurred with this, including Scott L. Bottles’ Los Angeles and the Automobile: The Making of the Modern City, and Ashleigh Brilliant’s The Great Car Craze, How Southern California Collided with the Automobile in the 1920s.

The automobile was new and fresh, and also offered freedom to its owners, who realized that they could become more mobile and not rely solely on the massive LA street car network at the time.  The number of vehicle registrations in Los Angeles had quadrupled in just an eight-year period from 1914-1922.

“Automobile use exploded as the passenger vehicle transitioned from a hobbyist’s pursuit to a relatively affordable means of getting around the sprawling region and beyond.”

Metro Librarian found out what was happening on the public transit side of the story when they found an article published in Electric Railway Journal titled “California and Her Tractions, Part II.“

MetroDigital Resource Librarian:

As one of several features titled “A Series of Articles on Salient Phases of the Electric Railway Situation,” author Edward Hungerford details the then current state of public transit in the Los Angeles area.

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And within that overview, he interviews Paul Shoup, Pacific Electric Railways president and vice-president of Southern Pacific Company.

Hungerford documents Pacific Electric’s earnings in a recent six-month period, and asks Shoup “for the real translation of these figures.”

Shoup responds by stating:

“They mean that the peak of the competition of the automobile, publicly or privately owned or operated, has been reached out here — and passed. Not only is the rapidly rising cost of cars and tires and gasoline and oil beginning to deter the overenthusiastic motorists, but I think that the novelty of excessive motor riding also is rather wearing off. The hazards of driving on crowded highways are becoming more apparent and parking spaces in towns and cities more a question of doubt.

In addition to our great numbers of motor stage routes in every direction, we now have some 500,000 automobiles in California licensed for pleasure purposes, to which should be added the cars owned and operated by the 100,000 Easterners who come out here every winter. The competitive effect of all these cars has been, and still is, vast indeed. But we already can see in it a declining curve.“

Yes, you read that right, Shoup declared that personal vehicle usage had peaked and that it was on the decline.

Shoup explains that Los Angeles Railway profits were consistent with those of Pacific Electric, but acknowledges that “increases in both operating cost and taxes had gone ahead a little more than proportionately.” But he intimates that the rising cost of automobile operation (gas, tires) means that cars will cease their encroachment into transit’s share of mobility.

MetroDigital Resource Librarian:

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This statement was part of an interview published in a national journal. Was he telling industry professionals what they wanted to hear? Did he want to assuage fears of rail employees that their jobs were going to disappear as more people purchased and used automobiles? Was he hoping that his perspective would turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy so he could remain atop Pacific Electric and Southern Pacific?

You can read the full article here: https://metroprimaryresources.info/when-los-angeles-was-declared-to-have-hit-peak-car-in-1920/15665/

https://stmdailynews.com/blog

https://stmdailynews.com/category/stm-blog/blog/

In the rich tapestry of Phoenix’s transportation history, few stories are as poignant as that of ValTrans—the ambitious mass transit project that never came to fruition. ValTrans was envisioned as a 103-mile elevated rail system in the Valley, mirroring the successful Vancouver, British Columbia SkyTrain. Despite the potential it held for transforming the region’s transit landscape, it became another casualty of voter skepticism, ultimately shaping the future of public transportation in Phoenix in unexpected ways.

A Grand Vision

With a vision to ease traffic congestion and lessen environmental impact, ValTrans was designed to be a comprehensive public transit solution. The proposal included more than just elevated rail lines; it also envisioned 1,500 new buses and a commuter train connecting Chandler and downtown Phoenix. Additionally, it promised a hefty investment of $300 million for freeway improvements. Hiring the very architect behind the SkyTrain, the ValTrans proponents aimed high and laid out a plan that positioned public transit as a viable alternative to the region’s car-centric culture.

The Voter Response

However, when the proposal went to vote, the response was lukewarm at best. In a sweeping rejection, Maricopa County voters turned down ValTrans with a staggering 2-to-1 margin. The defeat raised eyebrows and left many pondering the reasons behind such overwhelming voter disapproval. Critics had their say, labeling the proposal a boondoggle—too costly, too intricate, and perhaps too ambitious for a city that was still very much reliant on cars. Unsubstantiated rumors circulated that strong opposition from areas like Scottsdale and Sun City played a role in the proposal’s downfall, but the reality was more complex and rooted in broader concerns about urban planning and funding.

The Ripple Effects

Former Phoenix Mayor Terry Goddard reflects on the impact of ValTrans’s rejection, noting that without it, the growth patterns in the Valley would have been markedly different. The absence of an effective mass transit system stoked suburban sprawl and decentralized housing developments, leading to longer commutes and an increasing reliance on automobiles. Had ValTrans passed, Goddard believes we would have seen a more concentrated urban development pattern with housing and amenities clustered around transit lines—promoting walkable communities and reducing environmental footprints.

It wasn’t until nearly two decades later that light rail finally made its way into the Valley with the launch of a 29.8-mile system, which continues to expand. Though Valley Metro has made significant strides with light rail and partner streetcar services in cities like Tempe, many still ponder the “what-ifs” of ValTrans.

Reflecting on the Legacy

While the current system caters to a growing population, the lessons learned from ValTrans serve as a cautionary tale for future transit initiatives. It highlights the importance of voter engagement, education, and the need to address community concerns comprehensively. As urban areas grapple with the challenges of growth and sustainability, the vision of ValTrans stands as a reminder of how critical public transit can be in shaping our cities.

Today, as we navigate the complexities of modern transportation needs, we must remember that ambition and vision, when coupled with public support, can rewrite the narrative of urban living. ValTrans may have been “the one that got away,” but its story continues to resonate as Phoenix looks toward a future where public transportation can finally take its rightful place in the Valley’s growth story.

Related Links:

https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/08/14/phoenix-valtrans-delayed-light-rail-expansion-decades

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https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/valtrans-derailed-6412784

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.

https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge

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Brightline West Project

As a passionate advocate for modern transportation, I am beyond excited about the latest development in American rail: the Brightline West project, which is officially one step closer to reality with the recent signing of a $3 billion grant agreement by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)! This project isn’t just another rail line; it’s a historic leap forward for high-speed rail in the U.S. and a beacon of progress for public transportation enthusiasts like myself.

On September 26, 2024, this monumental agreement was finalized, marking the beginning of what many of us have dreamed about for decades—true high-speed rail connecting Las Vegas to Southern California! With trains capable of reaching speeds over 200 miles per hour, we’re talking about radically transforming how we travel between these two bustling regions.

To have a project of this magnitude come to life thanks to a strong public-private partnership is inspiring. Just look at the numbers: over 35,000 jobs are expected to be created, including 10,000 union construction jobs. This is a huge win, not only for those in the industry but also for local economies and communities, and it sets a precedent for future infrastructure efforts across the country.

Michael Reininger, the CEO of Brightline, really hit the nail on the head with his assertion that this project will “jumpstart the high-speed rail industry in America.” It’s long overdue, and finally, we are moving forward. The Brightline West project won’t just connect cities; it will embody a bold, eco-friendly approach to our transportation challenges—reducing CO2 emissions by over 400,000 tons annually and removing three million cars off the roads that currently choke the I-15.

Imagine this: a seamless, comfortable two-hour journey from Las Vegas to Rancho Cucamonga, complete with onboard amenities like food and Wi-Fi. For someone who routinely endures the endless traffic jams on the freeway, the thought of relaxing in a sleek train while taking in the stunning California desert views excites me beyond measure! No more cramped airplane seats or endless hours stuck in a car; we’ll be able to travel in style and comfort.

And it warms my heart to see the emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The fact that Brightline West will utilize zero-emission, fully electric trains positions it as the premiere green transportation choice in America. It’s initiatives like these that give me hope for our future and showcase how modern rail can lead the way in combating climate change.

Heavy construction is slated to kick off in 2025, and early groundwork is already ongoing. Crews are busy drilling geotechnical borings along the I-15, and I can practically feel the anticipation in the air! Soon enough, we’ll see new stations sprouting up, including one right in the heart of Las Vegas—a city known for its bright lights and bustling energy!

As someone who often travels for both leisure and business, I am particularly looking forward to the role this project will play as we approach the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Brightline West will undoubtedly serve as an essential transport option for visitors and residents alike, highlighting what a modern transportation system can achieve.

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In closing, there’s so much to be excited about! The Brightline West project calls forth a vision of the future that is connected, rapid, and environmentally conscious. It represents the culmination of years of advocacy, dreaming, and hard work. I look forward to seeing how this journey unfolds as we ride the rails toward a new era in American transportation.

Here’s to the future of rail in America! 🚄🌟

Until next time, happy rail journeys, everyone!

This post is inspired by the recent developments surrounding the Brightline West project.

https://www.brightlinewest.com

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.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge

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