What Should Be Done with the Crenshaw Corridor

Photo: Practical Visionary/Webshots

I’m going to be honest with you for a moment.  I haven’t been paying attention to the Crenshaw Corridor Transit Study in South L.A.  Maybe it’s that a preferred mode hasn’t been selected yet.  Maybe it’s that more controversial projects have grabbed my attention.  Maybe it’s that it’s mysterious.  Regardless all of that is going to change soon.

A press release from the office of Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas announced that the Metro Board will vote in October on whether or not to go forward with a Bus Rapid Transit project for the corridor or an “underground light-rail.”  The Crenshaw Corridor extends approximately 10 miles from Wilshire Boulevard on the north to El Segundo Boulevard on the south on Crenshaw Boulevard.  Measure R allocates $1.7 billion for whatever project the Board chooses. A history of the numerous studies done on the area can be found at Metro’s website.

Ridley-Thomas’ office hasn’t announced their preferred alternative, but instead is pushing for a process that allows the effected communities to choose.  However, when discussing the alternatives for the Corridor they don’t mention the “no-build” or “Transportation Demand Management” options.  Ridley-Thomas is kicking off the outreach, which will include public hearings in September and October, with a media availability later today.

Since I admitedly don’t have a lot of expertise in the area, I’m interested in hearing your thoughts on what is the best transit option for the area.  Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.