Enhancing Economic Development Opportunities
Miracle Mile
It is often said that the economy of Southern California is placed at risk if we do not address the failing mobility. Whether it is the excess costs of transportation in an over-congested region, the excess labor costs related to time spent away from productive work, or the inability to attract a qualified workforce, it is clear that an inefficient transportation system undermines our regional competitiveness.
More than any other transit investment we can make, the Subway to the Sea will encourage economic development and much needed investment in our communities. It will do so in several ways.
The LaBrea Tar Pits
First, the Subway to the Sea will stimulate development and investment on the already job-rich Wilshire Corridor, one of the economic engines of our region, and in the multiple communities located there. It will encourage local governments to adopt proactive transit and pedestrian-oriented land use policies there, thus stimulating much needed housing and economic development.
Spanish Steps - Beverly Hills
Second, the Subway to the Sea will stimulate enhanced use of the transit systems that are linked to it, making communities along these corridors more attractive for investment.
Third, by helping to improve the overall efficiency of our entire transportation system, the Subway to the Sea will facilitate the overall efficiency of our economy. There is no doubt that an efficient and multi-faceted transportation system is a key foundation for a successful economy.
Century City Marketplace
Fourth, the very activity of investing in and developing the subway system will create many jobs and stimulate the local economy, just as significant public works projects always do.
An efficient integrated transit system with pro-housing, pro-job, transit-oriented development policies drives up ridership and drives up investment in housing and jobs. It is an important lynch-pin to any true vision of a sustainable urban community.