BILL ANALYSIS �
SENATE TRANSPORTATION & HOUSING COMMITTEE BILL NO: ab 577
SENATOR MARK DESAULNIER, CHAIRMAN AUTHOR: nazarian
VERSION: 6/4/14
Analysis by: Eric Thronson FISCAL: no
Hearing date: June 10, 2014
SUBJECT:
Transit construction in the San Fernando Valley
DESCRIPTION:
This bill repeals the prohibition on constructing an
above-ground mass transit guideway in the Burbank Branch line
right-of-way.
ANALYSIS:
In 1991, the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission (the
precursor of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation
Authority, or LACMTA) purchased the Southern Pacific Burbank
Branch, an abandoned commercial rail line, with an eye toward
expanding mass transit to the San Fernando Valley.
Subsequently, the Legislature passed and the governor signed SB
211 (Robbins), Chapter 72, Statutes of 1991, which prohibits the
construction of any mass transit guideway within the
right-of-way of the Burbank Branch line of the Southern Pacific
Railroad between Hazeltine Avenue and Hollywood Freeway in Van
Nuys, as well as in the area below Tujunga Wash, unless
constructed as a covered subway.
This bill repeals the prohibition on constructing an
above-ground mass transit guideway in the Burbank Branch line
right-of-way.
COMMENTS:
1.Purpose . According to the author, this bill creates the
opportunity for LACMTA to effectively address the growing
transportation needs of local governments in the San Fernando
Valley along the Los Angeles Metro Orange Line.
2.Background . As mentioned previously, LACMTA purchased the
Southern Pacific Burbank Branch, intending to expand its mass
AB 577 (NAZARIAN) Page 2
transit service to the San Fernando Valley. At the time, the
commission's preferred alternative was to build a light rail
system down the line, to which there was substantial community
opposition along a particular segment. The area's large
Orthodox Jewish community was particularly vocal in its
opposition, particularly due to concerns about the safety of
rail crossings for pedestrians during the Sabbath when
Orthodox Jews do not drive. In response to those concerns,
the Legislature passed SB 211, prohibiting the construction of
any above-ground rail transit project in the controversial
area of the line.
With light rail off the table, LACMTA moved forward with
construction of bus rapid transit along the Burbank Branch
route. The route, known as the Orange Line, was completed in
2005. Since then, ridership has drastically exceeded LACMTA's
initial estimate of an average of 16,000 riders on weekdays.
In 2012, the 14-mile Orange Line's average daily ridership was
31,787. Riders report that buses are often so crowded at peak
hours that they have to wait for multiple buses to pass before
one arrives that has room for additional passengers. There is
little way to expand the capacity of the route as long as it
remains only a bus rapid transit line.
LACMTA built the Orange Line with the capability to be
converted into a light rail line in the future, but is
currently precluded from even considering such a conversion
due to the prohibition in law on light rail along a 3- to
5-mile section of the line. This bill repeals the prohibition
contained in SB 211 on the construction of light rail along
this line. This bill does not specifically authorize the
construction of light rail, but rather frees LACMTA to
consider it as a future option for expanding transit capacity
in the area.
According to the author's office, the safety considerations
implemented with the bus rapid transit line have assuaged the
fears of the oppositional communities, and therefore allowing
LACMTA to reconsider rail along the line is a reasonable
action for the Legislature to take.
Assembly Votes:
Floor: 73-0
Trans: 15-0
AB 577 (NAZARIAN) Page 3
POSITIONS: (Communicated to the committee before noon on
Wednesday, June 4,
2014.)
SUPPORT: Valley Industry and Commerce Association
OPPOSED: None received.