After recognizing the benefits offered by Alternative 6, the Editorial Board also endorses Alternative 5 as a tangible solution for reduced transit times and more efficient travel.
Both alternatives would implement policies that feature a heavy rail and underground design. However, Alternative 5’s proposal is slightly different in terms of the travel frequency, ridership estimates, number of stations and alignment with the Metro E Line.
Alternative 5 is projected to run more trains by the hour with a travel frequency of 2.5 minutes. Meanwhile, Alternative 6 will run trains every four minutes. This higher frequency of train travel would provide Bruins with more flexibility and efficient travel.
On top of that, Alternative 5 also offers the highest overall ridership of over 121,000 passengers per weekday compared to over 107,000 for Alternative 6. The increase in ridership for Alternative 5 is in part due to the added station at Sherman Way, attracting over 6,000 riders per weekday, as well as the travel frequency.
The final difference between Alternatives 5 and 6 is that the alignment may play a role in future line extensions in West Los Angeles. The Alternative 5 southern terminus station is connected to the E Line’s Expo/Sepulveda Station, while Alternative 6 is connected to the E Line’s Expo/Bundy Station.
Although Alternative 6 encompasses robust amenities and services, it is essential to acknowledge the strength of Alternative 5 to carry out equally – or arguably more –efficient operations.
With great consideration of these critical factors, the Board calls on LA Metro to also closely evaluate the implementation of Alternative 5 to bolster transportation accessibility for the UCLA community and beyond.
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