Half truths and Untruths will not change a city.

As a longtime resident of this city, I have either seen or have studied the challenges and accomplishments of Los Angeles’ transportation history. From the horse-drawn streetcars to the modern light rail and bus systems, the city has undergone significant changes in its transportation infrastructure. However, with a sprawling geography and car-centric culture, Los Angeles has faced challenges in providing efficient and equitable public transportation to all residents.

Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made in recent years. The city has expanded its rail system with the launch of new light rail lines and subway extensions, improving bus service with more frequent and reliable routes, and implementing measures to address issues of accessibility for low-income residents. Additionally, Los Angeles has ambitious plans to further expand its transportation infrastructure with the “Twenty-Eight by ’28” initiative.

However, while the city is working hard to improve its transportation system, some residents, and quite a few non-residents, continue to complain about the state of transportation in Los Angeles. It is crucial to recognize the city’s transportation history and the significant efforts that have been made to improve it. Instead of complaining, residents should take advantage of the improved public transportation options and support ongoing efforts to make it even better.

I have noticed a disturbing trend lately: people seem to be complaining constantly about Los Angeles, most don’t even live there. From posting complaint videos on YouTube about LA’s transit initiatives to grumbling about the car-centric culture, it seems like everyone has something negative to say about the city. But here’s the thing: it’s time to stop complaining and start looking at the positive changes that are happening in LA.

Yes, it’s true that LA has had a reputation for being a car-centric city for a long time. There are my factors besides cars for this town’s urban sprawl. But the fact is that the city is actively working to change that. In recent years, LA has made significant strides in improving its transportation infrastructure. The city’s public transportation system has been modernized and expanded, making it easier and more convenient for people to get around without a car. And with the introduction of bike lanes and other infrastructure improvements, LA is becoming a more bike-friendly city, too.

Another common complaint about LA is that downtown is not as big as other large cities’ downtowns. But again, this is an outdated view. Downtown LA is undergoing a transformation, with new development projects and revitalization efforts bringing new life to the area. Today, downtown LA is a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood with full-time residents, great restaurants and bars, and plenty of cultural attractions.

It is true that there was a long period of time, somewhere around the mid 1960s to the late 1990s, downtown LA, with it’s newly built high rises, was transformed into a mostly banking sundown town, that only thrived during the work week, then early evening and the weekends, you could easily imagine tumbleweeds rolling down Flower. Rod Washington

In conclusion, Los Angeles has a rich history of transportation challenges and accomplishments. While there is still much work to be done to ensure equitable access to public transportation, the city is actively working towards this goal. Most residents of Los Angeles appreciate the progress that has been made and support ongoing efforts to make transportation in the city even better.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtown_Los_Angeles

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_Metro_Rail

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

Phoenix, Arizona – Mayor Kate Gallego has announced a new plan to make Phoenix a more commuter friendly city and reduce its dependence on cars. The plan is aimed at making public transportation more accessible and improving bike lanes and pedestrian paths. This is a bold move that is expected to have a significant impact on the city’s transportation system.

The plan comes at a time when Phoenix is experiencing rapid growth, which has led to an increase in traffic congestion and air pollution. The plan seeks to address these issues by providing residents with more transportation options that are affordable, safe, and convenient.

One of the key components of the plan is to improve the city’s public transportation system. This includes increasing the frequency and reliability of buses, expanding the light rail system, and introducing new modes of transportation such as electric scooters and bikes. By making public transportation more accessible and reliable, the city hopes to encourage more residents to use it as their primary mode of transportation.

Another important aspect of the plan is to improve the city’s infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. This includes building new bike lanes and pedestrian paths, as well as improving existing ones. The goal is to make it safer and easier for people to walk and bike around the city, which will not only reduce traffic congestion but also improve the health and well-being of residents.

The plan is also expected to have a positive impact on the environment. By reducing the number of cars on the road, the city hopes to reduce its carbon footprint and improve air quality. This is a crucial step in addressing climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for the city.

Mayor Gallego has stated that the plan is a long-term investment in the city’s future. While it may take time to see the full benefits of the plan, she believes that it is the right thing to do for the city’s residents and the environment.

Overall, the plan to make Phoenix a more commuter friendly city and reduce its dependence on cars is a bold and exciting move. It shows that the city is committed to improving the quality of life for its residents and creating a sustainable future. If successful, the plan could serve as a model for other cities around the world looking to reduce their dependence on cars and promote more sustainable forms of transportation.

https://www.businessinsider.com/phoenix-35-year-public-transit-expansion-plan-aims-city-less-car-dependent-2023-3

https://www.valleymetro.org/news/agency/2023/03/valley-metro-begins-west-phoenix-transit-study

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

The United States is home to some of the tallest and most impressive buildings in the world. The western side of the Mississippi River is no exception, and it boasts some of the most iconic skyscrapers in the country. Here is a ranking of the tallest buildings in the United States west of the Mississippi River:

1. Wilshire Grand Center – Los Angeles, CA: Standing at 1,100 feet tall, the Wilshire Grand Center is the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. It opened in 2017 and is home to a hotel, office space, and observation decks.
2. Salesforce Tower – San Francisco, CA: The Salesforce Tower is the second tallest building west of the Mississippi River, standing at 1,070 feet tall. It opened in 2018 and is home to office space and a public park.
3. U.S. Bank Tower – Los Angeles, CA: The U.S. Bank Tower was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, standing at 1,018 feet tall. It opened in 1989 and is home to office space and a sky lobby with panoramic views of the city.
4. Aon Center – Los Angeles, CA: The Aon Center stands at 858 feet tall and is the third tallest building in Los Angeles. It opened in 1973 and is home to office space.
5. Bank of America Tower – Houston, TX: The Bank of America Tower stands at 780 feet tall and is the tallest building in Houston. It opened in 2019 and is home to office space and retail space.
6. Wells Fargo Center – Denver, CO: The Wells Fargo Center stands at 698 feet tall and is the tallest building in Denver. It opened in 1983 and is home to office space and a fitness center.
7. Republic Plaza – Denver, CO: The Republic Plaza stands at 714 feet tall and is the second tallest building in Denver. It opened in 1984 and is home to office space and a food court.
8. The Tower at Cityplace – Dallas, TX: The Tower at Cityplace stands at 560 feet tall and is the fourth tallest building in Dallas. It opened in 1988 and is home to office space and a fitness center.
9. Bank of America Plaza – Dallas, TX: The Bank of America Plaza stands at 921 feet tall and was once the tallest building in Dallas. It opened in 1985 and is home to office space.

In conclusion, the western side of the Mississippi River is home to some of the tallest and most impressive buildings in the United States. From the towering Wilshire Grand Center in Los Angeles to the iconic Bank of America Plaza in Dallas, these skyscrapers stand as a testament to the incredible architectural achievements of the country.