Transportation Solutions for a Safer, Cleaner, and more Welcoming LA Experience

Local and State leaders have recently enacted several initiatives that promise to make travel safer, cheaper, and cleaner for drivers, bikers, walkers, and transit riders.

Cars

Speeding. The LA City Council has approved a plan to lower speed limits on 177 miles of city streets.

Gas Rebate Includes Zero Emission Vehicles. Electric vehicles will be included in Governor Newsom’s $9 billion relief package for drivers burdened with high fuel prices. Drivers will be eligible for $400 per vehicle, up to two vehicles per person.

Public Transit

Transit Safety. Violent crimes on LA’s trains and buses jumped 36% last year. In response, Metro has enacted new measures to ensure safety. Emergency buttons are being added to buses and trains. Attendants are being posted at all elevators. Outreach services are being provided for homeless people who sleep on buses and trains. At the same time, some police on buses and trains are being replaced with unarmed transit ambassadors in the hope that this method will ensure safe travel in a less confrontational manner.

Metro Budget In what strikes some observers as a counterproductive move, Metro has issued a 2022-23 budget that includes a 30% increase in funds to expand freeways and a 9% decrease in funds dedicated to public transit.

Mask Mandates on Metro. Masks are still required.

Biking and Micro-transit

A protected bike lane has been added to 7th Street between San Pedro and Figueroa.

By Virginia Wexman