LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass rode Metro’s E Line this morning to encourage Angelenos to take public transit and alternative modes of transportation to help address the impacts of the I-10 Freeway closure. Earlier this week, Bass directed the City’s Department of Transportation to assist Metro in speeding up E Line trains which run along the 10 freeway.
Bass rode from the Expo/Western Station to the Little Tokyo/Arts District Station. Metro reported a 10% increase in ridership on the E Line on Monday.
“This morning, I didn’t sit in any traffic on my way to work thanks to Metro. My ride was fast and easy, thanks in part to the partnership between the City and Metro to speed up the E Line trains while the freeway closure is ongoing,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “I hope more Angelenos will join me on Metro to help alleviate traffic, prepare for the rain and consider taking public transportation when possible as a more climate-friendly travel option.”
Prior to Mayor Bass’ Metro ride, the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass provided its third 6:00 AM morning traffic update related to the closure of the 10 freeway. Deputy Mayor of Infrastructure Randall Winston announced the following actions to alleviate traffic impacts on commuters and communities and prepare for the rain expected to begin latter today:
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The Mayor has directed the Department of Transportation to make the CommuterExpress buses free to help Angelenos safely and quickly get to Downtown via public transportation. LADOT DASH buses are free as well.
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Beginning today, Metrolink increased the number of trains from San Bernardino and Covina to Union Station, providing more options for travelers between the Inland Empire and downtown Los Angeles. The Mayor has also directed Metro to add buses to Lines 66 (Olympic) and 251 (Soto), which are the two lines we saw the most delays on yesterday.
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Mayor Bass has also directed LADOT to assist Metro in the E line which runs along the 10 the freeway closures go faster for Angelenos taking the train. There was a 10% increase in ridership on the E line yesterday.
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In preparation of rain, Mayor Bass has directed the Department of Transportation to increase the amount of white-glove traffic officers in the congested area to assist commuters to get through intersections faster.
More information will be made available on emergency.lacity.gov as the situation evolves.
The 6:00 AM PT traffic updates will be held every morning for the remainder of the week and will be livestreamed here. Angelenos should visit emergency.lacity.gov for up to date information.
Alleviating Traffic and Preparing for Rain
The Mayor announced yesterday that she has directed the Los Angeles City Department of Transportation to make commuter express buses free of charge to encourage Angelenos to use public transportation on their commutes. She has also directed the Department to assist Metro in making trains along the routes of the freeway closures go faster for Angelenos taking the train.
In preparation for the anticipated rain, Mayor Bass has directed the Department of Transportation to increase the amount of white-glove traffic officers in the congested area to assist commuters to get through intersections faster. LAHSA’s augmented winter shelter program has also been activated by direction of the Mayor for the unhoused population to move inside and shelter from the rain. Angelenos can find more information at https://www.lahsa.org/winter-shelter.
Reducing Future Risk
The Mayor has directed Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristen Crowley to immediately begin surveying similar areas under overpasses and identifying spots that may be of concern in order to take a proactive posture of prevention. That effort began today and results will be announced when available.
Expediting the Rebuild
The good news announced yesterday regarding expected build times will not change the urgency that the Mayor will continue to bring in continuous efforts to help mitigate the traffic impacts to communities and commuters.
Supporting Impacted Businesses
Many businesses in and around downtown have been affected by the closure. Mayor Bass and her Deputy Mayor of Business and Economic Development today released a compiled list of state, federal and local resources available for impacted businesses. Resources will also be available on emergency.lacity.gov. The Mayor’s Office of Community Engagement has canvassed the businesses of the area and are actively engaged in order to provide support. In the coming weeks the Mayor will convene impacted business leaders to directly provide resources and support.
