"La Sombrita" Shade and Light Pilot Program Unveiled at 4 DASH Stops

Last week we joined Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez (CD1), Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI), and community partners to reveal "La Sombrita" at a DASH bus stop at 3rd and Union in Westlake. The prototype shade structure is now installed at four DASH stops to pilot a potential solution to improve the transit experience for women. The pilot is funded entirely by a private foundation grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation at no cost to the taxpayers.

La Sombrita tests a solution to two major obstacles identified in our surveys of female transit riders -- the lack of comfortable shade and lighting amenities near transit. “La Sombrita” - Spanish for “the little shade”, is different from a traditional bus shelter which can cost approximately $50,000 to install. La Sombrita can also be deployed in tighter spaces on existing bus signs with no new permits. The treatment is able to provide shade to two-to-four people waiting for the bus depending on the time of day and then uses the solar energy gathered to light the stop at night. All the locations chosen including Panorama City, Watts, and Boyle Heights are on DASH routes in low-income communities, with late-night service, and where data shows above-average ridership.

La Sombrita is the first of many interventions planned as part of LADOT's comprehensive gender-equity action plan to address inequities across all of LADOT's infrastructure, policy, and service provisions. The action plan is a follow-up to the Department's Changing Lanes Study that LADOT and KDI released in 2021. Over the coming year, LADOT will roll out new proposals to address and reduce the barriers women face. Through initiatives like La Sombrita, LADOT is taking action to ensure to provide Angelenos with dignified, reliable, safe, and affordable transportation options that serve their needs. How we narrow and ultimately eliminate the divide in transportation -- and access to opportunity -- is the most critical issue for transportation professionals in Los Angeles to solve.

The pilot is set to run until the end of August 2023 at which point we will review feedback received from riders over the course of the pilot program to measure the impact of La Sombrita on the rider experience.

LADOT Establishes South LA Corridor "In Honor of Malcolm X"

Over the weekend LADOT crews joined Councilmember Heather Hutt in dedicating Crenshaw Blvd from Adams to 78th "In Honor of Malcolm X". The new Malcolm X corridor is the result of decades of activism to recognize the Civil Rights leader here in Los Angeles. The dedication happened during the 18th annual Malcolm X Festival in Leimert Park and the day after what would have been his 98th birthday. LADOT is proud to take part in and celebrate this historic moment.

Angelenos Celebrate The First-Ever CicLAmini In Watts

Thousands came out on Sunday to celebrate the first-ever CicLamini! Angelenos enjoyed 1 mile of car-free streets along Central Avenue. LADOT has completed new safety and accessibility improvements along the route that those in attendance got to view and enjoy. From new bus boarding islands to protected bike lanes and pedestrian crossings the Watts Central Avenue Great Streets and Safety Project was on display and information was available at the LADOT play hub.  Play Hub at CicLAmini CicLAmini is a more pedestrian-oriented experience and those in attendance got to enjoy various activities sprinkled throughout the route.

Now, mark your calendars because CicLAvia will be celebrating Juneteenth in South LA on Vermont Ave on June 18th. Learn more about CicLAvia.

Interim General Manager Connie Llanos Discusses LADOT’s Latest Digital Infrastructure Tool

As technology changes and transportation needs change, LADOT is developing new innovative ways to meet the transportation needs of nearly 4 million Angelenos. In recognition of Digital Infrastructure Week, LADOT Interim General Manager Conni Llanos details LADOT's latest Digital Infrastructure tool allowing agencies to implement dynamic curb regulations in real time. 

Learn more in the blog posted by ITSA

AAPI Spotlight -- Kevin Ocubillo

In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this week we want to spotlight our staff member Kevin Ocubillo. Kevin currently works in Transportation Planning + Policy as a Transportation Planning Associate II.  He is a first-generation Filipino-American whose parents emigrated from the Philippines in the late 70s. Kevin says he's proud to be a first-gen Filipino-American as well as living in Los Angeles where there is a thriving Filipino community.

Read more about Kevin's interest in transportation and how his family's Los Angeles story.

LADOT Now Hiring Crossing Guards

LADOT is now accepting applications for new Crossing Guards. Crossing guards keep students safe traveling to and from school and help educate and instill safe, alert walking behaviors in young Angelenos. Our crossing guards are placed at schools throughout the city and help provide experience and judgment to help children navigate a school crossing, while also increasing the visibility of their presence to drivers.

If you are interested in applying for a crossing guard position you can visit the website for the application and instructions on how to apply.

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.

 

DTLA MIP Feedback

The DTLA MIP is a roadmap for the City of Los Angeles to invest in transportation infrastructure and programs that support a safe and reliable travel experience for all. Now’s your chance to give your feedback and comments on the draft DTLA priority project. Submit your response to ladot.dtlamip@lacity.org.

Reseda Boulevard Complete Streets Project

As part of the Complete Streets Program, the City is reconstructing Reseda Blvd to improve safety and accessibility for all. Give your feedback on the upcoming improvement and receive updates and more information on the project here.

 

Storm Damage Survey

If you experienced damages from the February and March storms, Los Angeles wants you to report it! This data will help the County in applications for State and Federal assistance for storm recovery. Take the survey to help LA learn the extent of local impacts.

Transportation Photos of the Week