Westwood News
Support Grows For 30/10 Initiative
By Staff
Aug 6, 2010 - 6:27:55 PM

WESTWOOD—Metro's 30/10 program aims to accomplish 30 years worth of infrastructure work in 10 years, in an effort to create a refined and expanded transportation system in Los Angeles. The program continues to gain support in the government as well as throughout the community. 

Jenna Skarzenski / Canyon News

On July 29, Mayor Villaraigosa gave praise to a Los Angeles Congressional delegation who have lent their support for the 30/10 initiative. The mayor said of the plan and its supporters, “With 30/10, we can build our clean transit lines faster, creating jobs, saving money, improving air quality, reducing traffic, and efficiently transporting millions of people every year.  I am proud to have these nine members of our Congressional delegation in the growing coalition of environmental, transit, business, labor, and health advocates who support 30/10.”

Photo courtesy of metro.net.

Mayor Delshad of Beverly Hills has also voiced his support for the program.  In a letter to the Metro Board of Directors Chair Ara Najarian, Delshad said, “The Beverly Hills City Council unanimously supports the Westside Subway Extension with stations on Wilshire Boulevard at La Cienega Boulevard and Rodeo Drive.” The Mayor goes on to say, “Los Angeles County voters understand the need for transportation improvement throughout the County.” An improved and extended rail system in Los Angeles will allow for greater accessibility for commuters by reducing traffic congestion. The program will also have environmental benefits, as a reduction in street traffic will lend itself to improved air quality.

The program has gained support within the community as well. Sites like “The Source” at Metro.net allow people to cast their vote on possible subway hub locations in areas such as Century City, Beverly Hills and Westwood. The site for a possible UCLA subway station has been a very popular topic to discuss as eased up travel is something college students and young professionals could benefit from greatly. As of August 3, Wilshire and Westwood was leading the polls as the most popular subway station location, but only slightly.

The 30/10 initiative is comprised of 12 parts, each with an aim towards subway improvement and extension in specific areas of Los Angeles. With government support and peaked community interest, the program continues to excite residents with the prospect of an enhanced city transportation system. For more information, check out the program’s website at metro.net/projects/30-10.