CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
February 23, 2013 | By Dan Weikel, Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles County's venture into toll roads advanced early Saturday with the opening of 14 miles of express lanes on the San Bernardino Freeway - the second project of its type to begin operation in the region since November. At 12:01 a.m., the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority allowed drivers to travel the 10 Freeway's new high occupancy toll lanes - so-called HOT lanes - between Interstate 605 in El Monte and Alameda Street in downtown Los Angeles. "This shows we are willing to address traffic, gridlock and congestion in the region," said Los Angeles Mayor and MTA board member Antonio Villaraigosa at a dedication ceremony in El Monte on Friday.
OPINION
December 14, 2012
Re "He introduced Indian music to much of the Western world," Obituary, Dec. 12 I had the great fortune to see Ravi Shankar several times over the last 30 years. Unquestionably the most impressive of any musical performance I have ever seen was his benefit concert in Long Beach on Nov. 4. Despite requiring oxygen and assistance getting to and from the stage, he was in fine form throughout the show, demonstrating his characteristic sense of humor, masterful musicianship and love for the audience, fellow musicians and family.
OPINION
December 14, 2012
Re "State probes fiscal health of O.C. toll roads," Dec. 12 Thanks to Orange County's nearly 60 miles of toll roads, commuters have been able to make choices about travel for decades, paying a little extra fee for faster service. Los Angeles is now following in Orange County's footsteps with the opening of the express lanes on the 110 Freeway. If the toll roads are in financial trouble, it is due in large part to government officials trying to stop or slow down the Transportation Corridor Agencies from completing the system to assure financial viability.
CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
December 11, 2012 | By Dan Weikel, Los Angeles Times
When it opened during the 1990s, Orange County's $2.4-billion tollway system was touted as an innovative way to build public highways without taxpayer money. Today, the roads offer smooth sailing for gridlock-weary commuters willing to pay the price. But far fewer people are using the turnpikes than officials predicted, which means the highways generate far less revenue than expected to retire their debts. There have long been questions about the long-term financial viability of the San Joaquin Hills and Foothill-Eastern corridors.
OPINION
November 13, 2012
Re “ Leaders tout 110 toll lanes, but some grumble ,” Nov. 11, and “ L.A. enters era of toll roads ,” Nov. 10 Now that we have to pay money to drive on some lanes of the “free” way in Los Angeles, it seems we need to find a new name. How about “Let's-rip-off-the-middle-class roads” or maybe “Pay-again-for-roads-you-already-funded-through-gas-taxes?” Or perhaps, “Poor-people-can-ride-in-transit highways.” As usual, people with plenty of money will have favorable treatment; the tolls will not really matter to them.
CALIFORNIA | LOCAL
November 11, 2012 | By Ari Bloomekatz, Los Angeles Times
Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to start your transponders. Or not. Los Angeles County's first toll lanes opened shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday on an 11-mile stretch of the 110 Freeway amid hopes of faster commutes and early grumblings from some unhappy motorists. The express lanes run between Adams Boulevard just south of downtown and the Harbor Gateway Transit Center near Torrance and the 91 Freeway. Officials aim to keep the lanes moving at 45 mph or faster. Solo drivers will pay an average of $4 to $7 per trip - and as much as $15.40 - depending on congestion and toll-lane demand.