The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit’s (L.A. ART) proposed gondola connection between Union Station and Dodger Stadium.
The document evaluates the potential environmental benefits and impacts associated with the project and represents a major step forward for the zero-emission transit proposal.
The Draft EIR will have a 60-day public review period during which the public can provide comments on the document. Metro will hold in person and virtual informational workshops, which include a presentation on the project and the key analysis of the Draft EIR.
According to the findings, the proposed Dodger Stadium gondola would cause a net reduction in transportation related pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a result of reduced vehicular congestion in and around Chavez Ravine, on neighborhood streets, arterial roadways and freeways.
The research found that roughly 20% of fans could ride the gondola before and after each Los Angeles Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium, reducing vehicle miles traveled as attendees shift from driving to riding transit connected to Metro’s regional transit system.
The Draft EIR shows that the lifetime reduction of the vehicle miles would be nearly 130,000,000 VMT, and the project could reduce emissions by over 150,000 metric tons of greenhouse gasses.
The gondola system is expected to carry close to 6,000 riders between Union Station and Dodger Stadium during each game, and that number could jump to 10,000 by 2042.
“Today marks a major milestone for zero-emission transit in Los Angeles,” climate resolve executive director Jonathan Parfrey said. “Now, more than ever, we need thoughtful solutions that take cars off the road and lead to a more connected Los Angeles.
“The aerial gondola project will be the first of many more emission-free- innovations that will help reduce air pollution and improve quality of life for all Angelenos.”
Nearly 6,000 individuals and more than 340 businesses in Chinatown, El Pueblo and Lincoln Heights have signed up to support the gondola system. “There is no question this project will benefit the local community,” Cathedral High School president Martin Farfan said.
“The LA ART project could make it easier for Cathedral High School students to access public transit and improve traffic around the school and community on game days.”
Frank McCourt rejects public concern for Dodger Stadium gondola system
While some local residents are concerned a Dodger Stadium gondola system will run through their community and take away their privacy, former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt rejected this notion. McCourt is among the investors funding the project.
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