Politics & Government

Will the Expo Line Really Help Solve Santa Monica's Traffic Woes?

As the project takes another step toward completion, some have their doubts about its potential impact on reducing traffic congestion.

The Expo Line is getting closer to becoming a reality.

On Monday morning, Exposition Light Rail Authority Board members including Santa Monica City Councilwoman Pam O’Connor observed a light-rail testing at Western Station, which is almost complete. Meanwhile, Expo Line service to Santa Monica is slated to begin in 2015, with pre-construction work and utility relocation planned for later this year.

Last month, the Expo Board of Directors approved the Funding Agreement and Design-Build contract for Phase 2 of the Expo Line, clearing the way for design and construction to begin on the line from Culver City to Santa Monica.

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But amid the progress being made on the Expo Line, some Santa Monicans are raising doubts as to just how much it would potentially reduce traffic in the city.

In the Santa Monica Patch Q&A section, reader and contributor posed : "Do you think light rail will solve transportation problems in Santa Monica or add to them?"

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"I think every resident ought to be [polled] on this very important and very expensive project," he elaborated. "If council members are so enthusiastic about light rail, it should begin in their neighborhoods. ... Robert Holbrook, Bobby Shriver and [should] use it every day. ... We want leaders [who lead] by example and [make] shared sacrifice."

Another reader, , replied to Greenberg. "Having a expensive light rail run on a public street will never solve transportation problems," Pro Se said. "It will increase traffic-related accidents and clog up the flow of traffic. Having light rail run above ground in Santa Monica would have been [a] wise move towards public safety by the [City Council]."

Previously, one of the members of the Santa Monica City Council, Mayor Pro Tempore Gleam Davis, cautioned Santa Monica residents that the Expo Line will not completely solve the city's traffic woes.

"My goal is, when the Expo opens, that every resident of Santa Monica will have a very easy transit solution to get to the Expo station," she told Santa Monica Patch. "The Expo Line is not a panacea. But as someone who works downtown, I can tell you that being able to get to a light-rail station would be fabulous."

Finally, Santa Monica Patch columnist has opined that "the Expo Line should give a huge boost to transit."

What's your take on the project? Do you think it will help reduce traffic—or actually worsen the problem? Will you use the Expo Line when it opens in Santa Monica? Share your thoughts in the comments box below.


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