LADOT Welcomes Students Back to School
It’s back to school season, and LADOT has been hard at work to get our streets ready for returning students! Over the past year, LADOT worked with Mayor Bass and LAUSD to implement the most significant expansion of school safety investments in our city’s history. We lowered school zone speed limits to 15 mph near 200 schools, constructed 200 new speed humps at 56 schools, and installed improvements at 182 intersections -- all to make it safer for students to get to school.
In addition to the planners, engineers, and crews who installed these features, LADOT employs over 500 crossing guards to assist students at busy intersections. These men and women play a vital role in our communities, helping children across the city get to their classrooms safely.
Even with these improvements, and with the support of the hundreds of crossing guards deployed across the city, it is important that everybody take extra caution as they are driving to and near schools. Please remember to slow down in school zones, obey traffic signals and signs, and stay alert for children crossing the street - especially when school buses are present.
As parents, educators, and community members, we all play a role in creating a safe environment for our children. Let’s work together to make this school year safe and successful!
Pacoima Community Provides Feedback on Proposed DASH Route
On July 25, members of the Pacoima community gathered at an event hosted by LADOT and Pacoima Beautiful to learn more about the proposed Pacoima DASH Route. LADOT staff members presented an overview of the route before breaking out into small groups to facilitate discussion and hear residents’ priorities and concerns.
LADOT wishes to extend a sincere thanks to all community members who were able to attend. Your insights and participation are crucial to creating a transportation system that best serves all Angelenos. In the coming months, LADOT will be considering all feedback as we work to finalize the Pacoima DASH route. The new all-electric bus service is expected to launch in 2025.
Groundbreaking for New HAWK Signal in Boyle Heights
This week, LADOT joined Streets LA and the Office of Council District 14 in Boyle Heights to break ground on a new pedestrian hybrid beacon at the intersection of Whittier Boulevard and Orme Avenue. Along with the new HAWK signal, this project aims to create a safer, more pedestrian-friendly intersection by upgrading high-visibility crosswalks, and adding access ramps.
The HAWK signal will replace a temporary Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacon (RRFB), which was installed after a child was seriously injured while crossing. This new signal will help those walking or riding safely cross the intersection by alerting drivers with flashing yellow lights and a solid red light when a pedestrian is waiting to cross.
Streets LA will also design and install new access ramps at the intersection, making it easier for everyone to navigate, including those with disabilities.
Thank you to the Boyle Heights community for their advocacy and partnership in pursuing safer streets for all road users.
Join Metro to Share Your Thoughts on the K Line Extension
Metro has released the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the K Line Northern Extension Project and is seeking your input! Public comment will be accepted until September 5, 2024.
The K Line Northern Extension seeks to close a gap in the regional rail network. The northern end of the K Line currently terminates at the Metro E Line Crenshaw/Expo Station. This project would extend the K Line north to the extension of the D Line subway at Wilshire Boulevard in the Miracle Mile and the B Line at Hollywood/Highland Station. The project includes a design option to extend the line to a potential station at the Hollywood Bowl.
Metro will accept public comment at three public meetings. These hearings are scheduled for:
- Saturday, August 10, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Dorsey High School
- Tuesday, August 13, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Pan Pacific Park
- Thursday, August 15, 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. via Zoom
Public comments may also be submitted by email at klinenorth@metro.net (Include “K Line Northern Extension – Draft EIR” in the subject line) and via mail to Metro, Attn: Roger Martin, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, One Gateway Plaza, Mail Stop: 99-22-5, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Learn more about the K Line Extension project at Metro’s The Source blog.
Al Fresco Dining is Going Permanent - Deadline Extended
The City of Los Angeles’ popular Al Fresco program, a lifeline for many restaurants during the pandemic, is transitioning to a permanent program. If you have a temporary Al Fresco Use Authorization, you must apply for a permanent permit to continue to offer Al Fresco outdoor dining.
The City has extended the deadline by which businesses must apply for the permanent Al Fresco program to December 31, 2024.
Learn about requirements, costs, and submit your application online at buildla.lacity.org/alfresco. The Department of Transportation is available to assist businesses by e-mail at ladot.alfresco@lacity.org or by telephone at 213-928-9606.
CicLAvia Returns to Hollywood
On August 18th, CicLAvia is transforming the streets of East and West Hollywood into a car-free playground from 9 AM to 4 PM. Enjoy 6.6 miles of open streets perfect for walking, biking, skating, and more. The route is open to people of all ages and abilities.
This CicLAvia will also celebrate the completion of the Hollywood Blvd Safety and Mobility Project. Come explore the new parking-protected bike lanes on Hollywood Blvd as you discover local gems, visit hubs along the route, and experience the neighborhood in a whole new way. Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and enjoy a day of fun and community at CicLAvia—Meet the Hollywoods!
Apply now for the Phase II of the UBM Mobility Wallet Pilot Program!
Applications for Phase II of the Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) Mobility Wallet pilot program are now open! LADOT and Metro are expanding the Mobility Wallet pilot to provide more low-income residents with transportation subsidies. This phase will select 2000 new participants from LA County to receive monthly funds for transit, rideshare, bike share and more.
Eligibility:
- Must be 18 years old
- Live in LA County
- Meet program's household annual income requirement based on Metro’s LIFE program
- Did not participate in Phase I
1000 participants in South LA and 1000 from LA county will be selected from all applications.
Applications for Phase II are open now through August 31, 2024. For full details and to apply, please visit: metro.net/mobilitywallet1
Stay Cool During Summer Heat
As temperatures stay high during summer months, keep these tips in mind to remain cool, safe, and comfortable:
- Stay hydrated and remain alert for signs of heat-related illness like dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and muscle cramps. Check in on your household, family, friends, pets, and neighbors.
- Do not leave young children and pets unattended in personal vehicles for any period of time. Cars interiors can reach lethal temperatures quickly.
- The City of Los Angeles has hundreds of cooling centers open in the form of Recreation and Parks facilities and local library branches. To find a cool spot near you, visit the Cool Spots LA map online or download the app.
LADOT bus services, including DASH and Commuter Express, are air-conditioned to keep you comfortable as you travel this summer. Additional safety tips may be found on the Los Angeles Fire Department’s website. For safety information in additional languages, please visit the City’s Heat Relief Outreach Materials.
Participate in our Community Surveys:
You are the ultimate expert for your community. LADOT wants your input as we plan projects to improve the safety, sustainability, and livability of Los Angeles communities.
BlueLA Crowdsourcing Survey
Your input drives BlueLA powered by Blink Mobility forward. Share your dream destinations & station locations in this quick survey. Let's shape the future of car sharing together!
EV Chargers in South LA
Where do you want to see more EV chargers in South LA? As part of LADOT's UBM pilot, we're installing 100+ EV chargers. Help us determine where chargers are most needed by taking our brief survey.
Transportation Photos of the Week
Crews perform signal work on the San Fernando Bike Path on August 3, 2024