A legal battle is brewing in Los Angeles over a contentious issue: the lack of updated bike lanes along the county’s busiest bus route. The lawsuit, filed by Streetsblog L.A. editor Joseph Linton in L.A. County Superior Court, marks the first legal action taken in response to Measure HLA, a voter-approved mandate that requires the city to implement a 2015 mobility plan. This plan includes the installation of new bike lanes on Vermont Avenue, a key thoroughfare undergoing significant improvements.
The lawsuit alleges that the city of Los Angeles violated Measure HLA in the summer of 2024 when it repaved sections of Vermont Avenue without incorporating “protected bike lanes and pedestrian enhancements.” Additionally, the recent decision by the Metro board of directors to move forward with plans for the Vermont Transit Corridor, which includes bus lanes but excludes bike lanes, has sparked further controversy.
Joseph Linton, the plaintiff, expressed his hope that the lawsuit would prompt the city to engage in discussions and ultimately lead to street improvements that prioritize safety, public health, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life for pedestrians, bus riders, and cyclists along Vermont Avenue. The suit does not seek financial compensation beyond legal fees, underscoring the emphasis on policy change rather than monetary gain.
Metro’s Transit Project and Community Impact
Metro’s ambitious project for the Vermont Transit Corridor aims to introduce dedicated bus lanes and 26 stations at 13 key locations along a 12.4-mile stretch of Vermont Avenue, spanning from 120th Street to Sunset Boulevard. With a daily ridership of 38,000 people, this initiative is expected to significantly benefit disadvantaged communities that heavily rely on public transportation. The project, which is part of the Measure M expenditure plan with a budget of $425 million, has been a focal point of contention and debate.
The Measure M expenditure plan has faced criticism from safe streets advocates who argue that it fails to adhere to the voter-approved mandate. On the other hand, transit agency officials and city representatives maintain that the measure only applies to city-led projects, not those initiated by external entities like Metro. The debate intensifies as Metro asserts that the inclusion of bike lanes in the project would escalate costs and prolong the timeline, citing nearly a decade of study and planning.
Despite the city attorney’s office declining to comment on the lawsuit, Joseph Linton’s attorney, Mike Gatto, points to a partnership agreement between the city and Metro as evidence of their interconnectedness. Gatto argues that the city cannot disassociate itself from Metro’s plans, considering its financial contributions, project oversight, and involvement in the permitting process. In essence, the city plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with Measure HLA, regardless of project leadership.
As the legal battle unfolds, the fate of the Vermont Transit Corridor project hangs in the balance, with broader implications for urban mobility, public transit access, and civic engagement in Los Angeles. The lawsuit serves as a potent reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in implementing sustainable transportation solutions within a bustling metropolis like Los Angeles. Stay tuned for developments as the city grapples with the intersection of policy, advocacy, and public infrastructure.
As the wheels of justice turn in Los Angeles, the future of urban mobility and equitable transportation hangs in the balance. The lawsuit filed against the city underscores the critical importance of community engagement, policy accountability, and sustainable development in shaping the landscape of transportation infrastructure. By shedding light on the nuances of Measure HLA and its implications for public transit, pedestrian safety, and cycling accessibility, this legal action serves as a catalyst for dialogue, debate, and ultimately, positive change in the realm of urban planning and mobility. Let’s ride along this legal journey and see where the road takes us.
