By Ramon Jaime | CNLA Correspondent
At the end of a long agenda, the Metro Board today unanimously
approved a pilot program extended the hours of the Red Line between
Downtown and North Hollywood during the upcoming holiday season. The
program, which would be privately funded, now must secure contractually
binding funding commitments by October 17 in order for the service to
move forward.
Board member and County Supervisor
Gloria Molina amended the bill, clarifying that private commitments
must be fully secured for the effort to move forward.
Bringing Back Broadway Executive Director Jessica Wethington Mclean
spoke about the commitments that have already been made by business and
property owners in Downtown and Hollywood. Cedd Moses of 213
(Golden Gopher, Broadway Bar, Seven Grand) spoke in support of the
effort, and afterward talked about how branding and marketing will be
important steps to make the concept a success.
The pilot would extend operation of the Red Line to 3am on Friday
and Saturday nights during the holidays. The motion approved included a
start date of November 1, but those familiar with the discussions have
indicated the 14th as a more realistic launch. The extended service
would run until January 3.
