LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Times reported that Los Angeles County's Measure J, which would extend an existing transit tax from 2039 to 2069, providing money to speed completion of at least six rail projects by 2024, is being questioned.
Opponents say the cost of operating so many new lines ahead of schedule will leave the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority no choice but to significantly hike fares, cut bus lines or both.
However, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s transit advisor argued that the measure will do so much to boost ridership and stimulate the economy that fare increases won't be needed for 57 years, because the expedited construction schedule would pump tens of billions of dollars into the economy. For the full story, click here.