A few times a year, we get to play Manhattanites, but on our morning whirl on the NYC subway en route to Refinery29 HQ, we're hit with pangs of jealousy by the cool commuters catching up on their Elles and to-do lists, calmly grooving to tunes, and just getting all zen before the workday. Meanwhile, back at home, Angelenos are stuck in an angst-ridden rat race to work, ensconced in gridlock, cutting cars off, and perhaps flipping the bird to fellow drivers (hey, it's survival of the fittest at 8:30 a.m.!). Well, the road ragers took their gripes to the polls, and it was announced last night that with unprecedented support (73% in favor), $62.5 million in local funding has been granted to bring back the city's streetcar system in addition to our Metro Lines. Hip, hip, hooray!
If you weren't aware, until 1963, L.A. had the largest trolley system in the world, with over 900 electric cars and a rate of public transit usage that outranked even San Fran's current ridership. Sadly, the allure of the automobile abolished the practical transports — but by 2015, you can expect a four-mile rail system that will link Broadway, 11th, Figueroa, 7th, and Hill streets to serve the Civic Center, Broadway and the Historic Core, the Fashion District, South Park, L.A. Live and the Convention Center, the Financial District, and restaurant row through the Jewelry District. It will operate 18 hours, seven days a week, and travel at the same speed as other vehicles. A sample sale, followed by 'tails at The Parish, and then perhaps some small plates at Baco Mercat, all without having to hoof it? Cue, "Walking in L.A." by the Missing Persons, and sign us up! All in all, DTLA is resembling NYC more by the day, not to mention a most viable happening residential 'hood.
Photos: Courtesy of L.A. Streetcar Inc.