Dodger Stadium Gondola Possibly Back On Track

Five months after a court ordered new review, Metro and backers of the controversial Union Station–Dodger Stadium gondola are pressing ahead.

In September, Metro released a supplemental environmental impact report addressing construction noise, as required by the California Court of Appeals.

The $500-million, 1.2-mile aerial system is proposed by Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit, backed by former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. If completed, operations would be turned over to Zero Emissions Transit, an affiliate of Climate Resolve.

Plans call for gondolas running more than 100 feet above Alameda Street, with stops at Chinatown Station and Los Angeles State Historic Park before turning west toward Dodger Stadium. The system could carry up to 10,000 passengers per hour, with a seven-minute end-to-end trip, and take about 25 months to build.

Despite support, the project faces continued opposition from Chinatown residents, the California Endowment, and Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who has called for suspending work pending further study. Earlier attempts to fast-track the project in Sacramento were stripped from legislation after pushback.

Meanwhile, Metro is also weighing alternatives to improve access to Dodger Stadium, including upgraded pedestrian routes from Echo Park and Chinatown and dedicated bus lanes along Sunset Boulevard.

Read full story on Urbanize LA