Transportation headlines, Tuesday, Nov. 3

by Steve Hymon , November 3, 2009

Here’s today’s version of the Metro Library’s transportation headlines. The Metro Library is kind of like the E Street Band, by the way: they just keeping cranking it out, day after day after day.

In an opinion piece in the Pasadena Star-News, State Sen. Bob Huff is pleased that the Metro Board recently gave the nod to the Foothill Extension of the Gold Line opening by 2013. That, writes Huff, would provide an alternative to those weary of gazing at brake lights on the 210 freeway. I agree. I also think it’s worth noting that a ballot measure for 2010 is being proposed to stop the Legislature and Governor from cutting any more funds due to mass transit agencies.

There’s a fine piece over at Eastsider LA on the dismantling of some of the remaining buildings that were once part of the bustling Taylor Yard freight center along the Los Angeles River. They have some nice pics and an article by Kevin Kuzma says there are some estimates that in its heydey, 75% of Cypress Park residents worked at the yards.

The Washington Post reviews a new exhibition on parking and cities at the National Building Museum, one of my favorites in Washington. The exhibit shows until July 11, so put it on your agenda if you’re going to be in the DC area. From the Post’s review:

There may, in fact, be life after parking, especially if cities begin to treat it more like smoking — a public nuisance to be pushed to the limits of the urban infrastructure — than a public right, to be accommodated no matter what the cost. And those haunting images of empty lots and vacant parking decks? Perhaps they were fantasies, not nightmares, portents of a better, more rational, healthier and greener world.

One can dream.

The rest of today’s list of headlines:

APTA And UIC To Host Regional Seminars On High-Speed Rail
APTA

Bikes And Cars: Can We Share The Road?
Los Angeles Times

California’s Fiscal Health Continues To Deteriorate, Despite Many Deep Cuts
New York Times

Community Meetings For Regional Connector, November 5-12
LA Streetsblog

Congress Gives SAFETEA-LU Six Weeks
Journal Of Commerce Online

Editorial: The Golden State Isn’t Worth It: Our High-Benefit/High-Tax Model No Longer Works, Especially Compared With Low-Tax States Like Texas
Los Angeles Times

Gold Line Will Be Golden Opportunity
Jose Huizar

How Can We Promote Greater Awareness Of Transportation Safety?
National Journal

How To Minimize Accidents Between Autos And Bicycles
Los Angeles Times

Is America Subsidizing Sprawl?
LA Streetsblog

It’s The End Of The Line For Taylor Yard
Eastsider LA