The proposed bullet train between Northern California and San Diego inched closer to reality. As planners consider options for the 800 mile route, the LA City Council weighed in urging officials to consider two proposed alternatives for the Union Station stop.
Councilman Ed Reyes expressed concern that the current route north from Union Station along the Los Angeles River may derail the city’s plans to rehabilitate the area and cause substantial disruptions to the community, the LA Times reported
Instead, the council suggested either construction of a stop at Union Station that would place the bullet train above Metrolink tracks or building a stop on the east side of Patsaouras Transit Plaza, along Vignes Street.
According to the Times:
Reyes cited Chicago’s Millennium Park, which was built above railroad tracks and parking, as an example of the opportunities that lie ahead for Los Angeles as the project advances.
“We should be opening our eyes to what could be,” Reyes said. “…In your hands lies a unique opportunity to create a facility that should last the next 100 years. But let’s do it with the understanding that we can create relief and improvements.”
The High Speed Rail Authority assured Reyes that the draft environmental impact report would include a second alternative for the community to consider, the Times said.
A $10-billion bond measure to fund bullet train construction was approved by voters in 2008. Officials are hoping to get additional federal funds to start the first phase between Anaheim and L.A. in 2011.
