By Jung Gatoona
Thanks largely in part to Measure R being approved in November of 2008, 2009 will be known as the year Los Angeles took its first major steps to modernize and grow its public transportation sector. With a projected $40 billion attached to Measure R to use over the next 30 years, LA county will see major improvements in how its residents move about. The future looks bright for LA, but before we get too excited in anticipation for what lies ahead, let's take a moment to look back at what 2009 offered. This is Metro in 2009.
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March 15, 2009
Metro reusable TAP fare cards officially replace paper day passes for daily transit use on the Metro system. TAP is the new, convenient way to pay your fare. It's a durable plastic card with an electronic chip inside that you use again and again.
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April 2, 2009
The Board of Directors of the Exposition Metro Line Construction Authority unanimously voted to select the Pacific Electric Santa Monica Air Line railroad right-of-way. For the final mile in Downtown Santa Monica where the existing right-of-way ends, Colorado Ave median-running was selected.
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May 29, 2009
KOAR Wilshire Western, LLC and Metro announced the completion of a major new joint development project at the Metro Purple Line's Wilshire/Western station.
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July 6, 2009
Los Angeles Metro debuts on Google Transit, allowing users to get public transit routes through Google Maps in their LA destinations.
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August 17, 2009
After 15 years of operating on the honor system, turnstiles start to arrive in Los Angeles.
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October 20, 2009
Metro introduces The Source, giving the public a more convenient way of getting information on agency news, funding and policy issues, and how to get the most out of transit and Los Angeles.
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November 15, 2009
Public Opening of Metro's Gold Line's Eastside Extension. The new extension opens up eight new stations which include: Little Tokyo/Arts District, Pico/Aliso, Mariachi Plaza, Soto, Indiana, Maravilla, East LA Civic Center, and Atlantic.
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December 10, 2009
MTA approves $1.7-billion rail line along Crenshaw Boulevard.
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December 13, 2009
Public Opening of Metro's Silver Line. The Silve Line replaces Metro Express Lines 444, 446-447, 484 and 490 which currently run on the Harbor Transitway and El Monte Busway.
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December 14, 2009
Metro Line 902 is launched, a new weekday peak-hour bus service that directly connects North Hollywood, Van Nuys and Pacoima in the San Fernando Valley.
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December 22, 2009
Metro launches an official Facebook fan page for the public.
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Illustration & Photo | Jung Gatoona, Metro, O.Web
