Metro Planning New Busway Stop to Unify Connections at Union Station
Metro
A rendering of the proposed new busway station connected to Union Station's Patsaouras Plaza.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — A project to replace the rudimentary station that currently serves as the Downtown end of the El Monte Busway moved through a Metro committee this week and now heads to the full Board for approval.
The new station would be connected to Union Station's Patsaouras Plaza transit center and serve as the Union Station stop for planned Silver Line busway service.
Plans show a new station located between the transit center loop and the 101 freeway. The existing busway bridge would be enlarged to support a new station platform with benches, lighting and shelters. Passengers would connect to other buses and Union Station via an enclosed walkway that would go under the busway.
Currently, busway patrons board and alight at Alameda and must walk 1/4 of a mile into Union Station to make other connections.
Metro hopes to see the project completed by the end of 2010.
The project is one of several to be funded by the Los Angeles Regional Congestion Reduction Demonstration Initiative, which will bring toll pricing to the carpool lanes on the 110 freeway.
Later this year, Metro plans to consolidate service on the Harbor Transitway and the El Monte Busway into the "Silver Line" (Line 910). Buses would travel through Downtown on surface streets between the two dedicated right-of-ways.
The station design contract now goes to Metro's full Board of Directors for approval. That vote will take place on Thursday, September 24.
Bert Green on September 18, 2009, at 02:28PM – #1
I wonder why they don't just improve the ramp into the Patsouras Transit Plaza and have the buses use the existing plaza? Why a totally separate station? Are they planning to secure it with TAP turnstiles?
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on September 18, 2009, at 05:01PM – #2
Bert: I would guess that doing a loop through the plaza would add about two minutes of travel time (slowing for turns, waiting for people crossing at crosswalks, etc). This allows for faster through bus movement.
Richard Figueroa on September 21, 2009, at 11:40AM – #3
It is possible to get lost getting from Patsouras Plaza to the Busway Entrance.
Erik G. on September 21, 2009, at 04:20PM – #4
This would also allow West-bound bus passengers easier access to Union Station.
And yes, if CUBIC thinks they can gate it, they will submit a proposal to Yvonne B,