A long-held dream comes true this weekend in East Los Angeles. Today, the light-rail extension known as the Gold Line formally opens, and on Sunday, festivities will be held along the new line’s six stations.
This moment was 22 years and almost $900 million in the making, not to mention the long and exhaustive discussions at the county’s highest levels. In the end, the train was not built underground, which posed numerous safety challenges. Finally this part of the city now has a public transportation system that will bring it benefits and help reduce traffic congestion. The faster and easier access to the Boyle Heights neighborhood, for example, is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region’s development. And individualswill be able to travel with ease and in comfort.
In a part of the city that has historically and often been ignored, projects such as the Gold Line are wise investments.
That said, we are concerned by the public safety issue posed by above-ground light trains, like the Gold Line. Accidents on other similar lines are a wake-up call on the dangers posed for both pedestrians and drivers. We believe there are still safety measures, like additional warning signals and fences to restrict access that should be implemented. In this case, safety is just as important as service.
We celebrate the grand opening of the Gold Line and join the community of East Los Angeles in this historic event. Public transportation like this makes Los Ángeles a smaller city!
