The Long Track Back
What’s Next for LA Metro: 2028 and Beyond — The Final Episode of The Long Track Back
As LA prepares to host the 2028 Olympics, Metro is racing to reshape how the city moves. Our final episode of The Long Track Back explores what’s next — and whether LA can finally become a true transit city.
Last Updated on August 10, 2025 by Daily News Staff
🚊 Can Los Angeles Finally Become a Real Transit City — In Time for the 2028 Olympics?
That’s the bold question we ask in the final episode of The Long Track Back, our in-depth video series examining the history, challenges, and future of LA’s transit system.
In this finale, titled “What’s Next for LA Metro: 2028 and Beyond,” we look forward — to a city under construction, to billion-dollar investments in mobility, and to a pivotal moment as Los Angeles races toward hosting the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.
🎥 Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/DcXa2Z2_9U4
🚧 LA Metro’s Big Bets for 2028
From subway tunneling beneath Wilshire Boulevard to sleek new rail lines connecting LAX to the city, Metro is charging ahead with its most ambitious slate of projects ever. These include:
D Line Extension — connecting Westwood, Beverly Hills, and Koreatown to the city core LAX People Mover — a long-awaited fix to one of LA’s biggest airport headaches Sepulveda Transit Corridor — still in planning, this could become a high-capacity subway… or a high-speed monorail
Together, these projects are part of the “28 by 2028” initiative — a Metro campaign to complete 28 major transit improvements in time for the Games.
💡 Infrastructure vs. Mindset
But as our episode explores, concrete and steel aren’t enough. LA’s biggest challenge may not be building the systems — it’s getting Angelenos to use them.
From car culture to last-mile connections, public perception still looms large. But that’s slowly shifting, with younger generations, students, and eco-conscious riders embracing Metro like never before.
🚂 Echoes of the Past, Visions of the Future
“The Red Cars may be gone,” our narrator says, “but their legacy lives on — in every station being built, every line extended, and every rider who says, ‘Why drive when I can take the train?’”
It’s a poetic reminder that Los Angeles was once a transit-first city. And maybe, just maybe, it can be again.
🎙️ This May Be the Final Episode — But It’s Not the End
The Long Track Back has taken viewers from the rise and fall of the Pacific Electric system to the rebirth of LA Metro. This final installment is a turning point — not a conclusion.
🚦Watch the full series and explore bonus interviews, maps, and timelines at STMDailyNews.com.
🎧 Subscribe to the podcast for new episodes diving deeper into the future of urban transportation in Southern California and beyond
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
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Entertainment
Hollywood vs. Reality: How LA’s Wilshire Subway Was Really Built
Wilshire Subway: Did LA blast subway tunnels under Wilshire Boulevard? Hollywood says yes — engineers say no. Here’s how Metro safely tunneled beneath Miracle Mile.
When the 1997 disaster film Volcano depicted lava erupting along Wilshire Boulevard and referenced blasting during Red Line subway construction, it delivered gripping cinema — but not accurate engineering.
In reality, Los Angeles Metro did not rely on large-scale blasting to construct subway tunnels beneath Wilshire Boulevard and the Miracle Mile. Instead, engineers used tunnel boring machines (TBMs) specifically to avoid the very risks Hollywood dramatized.
Why Blasting Was Avoided
The Wilshire Corridor sits atop historic oil fields, making methane gas pockets a known and serious concern. A deadly methane explosion near Fairfax Avenue in 1985 led to heightened scrutiny of underground construction in the area. Blasting in such conditions could have caused unpredictable gas releases, ground instability, or damage to surface structures.
As a result, Metro engineers chose pressurized, closed-face tunnel boring machines, which allow for:
Controlled excavation in dense urban environments
Continuous ground support to prevent settlement
Integrated gas detection and ventilation systems
These machines grind slowly through soil and rock while installing precast concrete tunnel linings, creating a sealed, gas-resistant structure as they advance. 
The Real Engineering Feat
Although Volcano took creative liberties for dramatic effect, the true story of tunneling under Wilshire is no less impressive. Advances in TBM technology and methane mitigation ultimately allowed the Metro D Line (formerly the Red Line/Purple Line) to safely pass through one of Los Angeles’ most geologically complex corridors — without explosions, collapsing streets, or cinematic chaos.
Bottom Line
Volcano remains a memorable piece of 1990s disaster cinema, but its portrayal of subway construction is fiction. The real achievement lies in decades of careful planning, modern tunneling technology, and engineering solutions that quietly reshaped Los Angeles beneath its busiest boulevard.
Related Links:
- LA Metro – D Line (Purple Line) Extension Project
- Engineering News-Record: Tunneling Through Gas and Tar in LA
- Los Angeles Times Archive: Methane Risk and Subway Construction
Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story — A Closer Look at the Documentary and Its Uncredited VoiceLink: https://stmdailynews.com/dreambreaker-a-pickleball-story-a-closer-look-at-the-documentary-and-its-uncredited-voice/
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Blog
The Dodger Gondola Project: A High-Flying Transit Idea Facing Heavy Headwinds
The Dodger Gondola Project, a proposed aerial transit line between Union Station and Dodger Stadium, faces major political, legal, and community opposition in 2025. Here’s where the controversial project stands now.
Dodger Gondola Project Faces Major Setbacks as L.A. Leaders and Residents Push Back
For years, the Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART) — better known as the Dodger Gondola Project — has been pitched as a bold, futuristic connection between Union Station and Dodger Stadium, whisking riders above traffic in a six-minute aerial trip. Supporters call it L.A.’s chance to build a cleaner, faster, iconic transit link. But as 2025 winds toward its close, the project faces more turbulence than ever.
A Quick Refresher: What the Gondola Would Be
The proposed gondola line would travel about 1.2 miles, with stations at Union Station, a stop near L.A. State Historic Park, and Dodger Stadium. Private backers connected to former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt have promoted it as a zero-emission way to move more than 5,000 passengers per hour on game days — and potentially daily for tourists, residents, and park visitors.
Why the Dream Is Stalling
In November 2025, the Los Angeles City Council voted 12–1 to formally oppose the project, urging Metro to abandon it. While the vote isn’t legally binding, it signaled a major political shift. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who introduced the resolution, cited environmental and community concerns — especially the impact on Chinatown, Solano Canyon, and L.A. State Historic Park.
A California Court of Appeals ruling earlier in the year also struck down Metro’s original environmental review, forcing a supplemental EIR that reopened debates about tree removal, tower placement, noise, and neighborhood impacts. The city has additionally ordered a comprehensive traffic study, pausing key permits until it’s complete.
Communities Speak Out
Local opposition has been strong and well-organized. Residents warn the gondola would remove mature trees, alter the character of the State Historic Park, and intrude over communities that have already shouldered decades of infrastructure burdens. Advocacy groups say the project favors private interests over public need, pointing to the lack of a clear long-term funding or maintenance plan.
Not Dead — But Deeply Uncertain
Despite mounting challenges, the gondola isn’t entirely grounded. Metro is still reviewing public comments on the supplemental environmental report, and state lawmakers are debating legislation that could streamline some project requirements. Whether those efforts succeed — or whether political pressure ultimately stalls the gondola indefinitely — remains to be seen.
The Big Picture
The Dodger Gondola Project sits at the intersection of transit innovation, environmental justice, and the future of Los Angeles mobility. For supporters, it represents a chance to modernize travel to one of the nation’s most visited stadiums. For opponents, it’s an unnecessary experiment that risks community space and public resources.
Either way, the next year will be pivotal — and L.A.’s debate over the gondola is far from over.
Sources and links for further information
Associated Press: “Los Angeles officials seek to halt proposed Dodger Stadium gondola” — apnews.com
Los Angeles Times: “Los Angeles City Council votes 12-1 to urge Metro to halt Dodgers gondola project” — latimes.com
NBC Los Angeles: “Dodger Stadium gondola should be a no-go, LA City Council says” — nbclosangeles.com
PR Newswire (project press release): “LA ART Gondola Project Takes Next Step Forward … with Release of Draft Supplemental Environmental Report” — prnewswire.com
LAist: “Controversial Dodger Stadium gondola project gets new environmental report. Here’s how you can weigh in” — laist.com
Official Metro page: “Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART)” — metro.net
Site for public comment: “Stop The Gondola – Public Comment” — stopthegondola.org
CEQA Notice of Availability: “Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report – LA ART Project” — ceqanet.lci.ca.gov
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Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by Daily News Staff
In a region famous for its scenic highways and vast landscapes, walkable cities might seem rare—but several Western metros are proving that car-free living can thrive even out west. From bustling downtown districts to eco-conscious neighborhoods, these cities are leading the way in pedestrian-friendly design and urban livability.
Based on recent data from WalkScore.com, The Urbanist, and national livability reports, here are the 10 most walkable cities in the Western United States for 2025.
1. San Francisco, California
Walk Score: 88
San Francisco remains the gold standard for walkability in the West. Compact, dense, and full of life, it’s easy to access markets, cafes, and parks without ever starting your car. Neighborhoods like Chinatown, the Mission, and North Beach are pedestrian paradises.
2. Seattle, Washington
Walk Score: 74
Seattle’s hilly terrain hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of America’s most walkable cities. The Emerald City’s neighborhoods—Capitol Hill, Downtown, and Belltown—offer great access to shops, jobs, and transit connections.
3. Portland, Oregon
Walk Score: 76
Portland’s short blocks, mixed-use development, and eco-friendly mindset make it one of the easiest cities in the U.S. to explore on foot. Its downtown core and eastside neighborhoods are a model for urban planners nationwide.
4. Oakland, California
Walk Score: 73
Across the Bay from San Francisco, Oakland has reinvented itself with walkable districts like Uptown and Temescal. Access to BART and a growing local business scene help make the city increasingly foot-friendly.
5. Long Beach, California
Walk Score: 73
With ocean breezes, coastal trails, and a vibrant downtown, Long Beach ranks among California’s most livable—and walkable—coastal cities.
6. Los Angeles, California
Walk Score: 68
While sprawling overall, Los Angeles offers pockets of excellent walkability. Downtown LA, Koreatown, and Santa Monica combine dense housing, entertainment, and transit for an increasingly car-optional lifestyle.
7. Denver, Colorado
Walk Score: 61
Denver’s walkability continues to grow as it invests in mixed-use developments and light rail. Neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and LoDo are among the most pedestrian-friendly in the Rocky Mountain region.
8. San Diego, California
Walk Score: 59
America’s Finest City combines great weather with improving walkability. Districts like Little Italy, Hillcrest, and the Gaslamp Quarter encourage strolling and outdoor living.
9. Salt Lake City, Utah
Walk Score: 58
While Utah’s capital is known for its mountain access, downtown Salt Lake City is surprisingly walkable—with restaurants, transit, and entertainment within easy reach.
10. Boulder, Colorado
Walk Score: 57
Though smaller than most on this list, Boulder’s downtown and University Hill areas are incredibly walkable. It’s an ideal blend of pedestrian design, public spaces, and natural beauty.
Why These Cities Stand Out
What makes these cities shine isn’t just their sidewalks—it’s their planning philosophy. They emphasize:
Mixed-use zoning that brings housing, work, and leisure together Public transit systems that complement walkability Safe, shaded pedestrian corridors that make walking practical year-round Community design that encourages local shopping and social interaction. These cities prove that even in the car-loving West, walkability and livability can go hand in hand.
As more Americans seek sustainable, connected lifestyles, Western cities are reimagining the way people move. From the hills of San Francisco to the waterfront of Long Beach, these walkable cities are showing that the future of urban living might be best experienced—one step at a time.
For more on how walkability impacts urban development, check out:
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
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