New Poll Shows Widespread Support for Dodger Stadium Gondola Project from Angelenos Countywide
February 14, 2023
A new poll shows support from over 70% of Los Angeles residents polled for the zero-emission gondola project; improving air quality as major concern.
LOS ANGELES— A new Los Angeles poll has found that Angelenos overwhelmingly support the zero-emission gondola system connecting Union Station, Chinatown, and Dodger Stadium. A majority (72%) of Los Angeles County voters polled support the gondola proposal and nearly 4 out of 5 voters believe there is a need for alternative modes of transportation to Dodger Stadium— one of the most visited sites in all of Los Angeles. With strong support across the county, LA ART offers a unique zero-emissions last-mile regional transportation solution for the Los Angeles region.
Read the full poll memo here.
The poll also finds that Los Angeles residents support more zero-emissions transportation options and are concerned about pollution from traffic. Just over half of voters surveyed consider air pollution and its resulting health problems to be either a “crisis” or a “very serious problem.” Angelenos across the county are looking for transportation solutions that will mitigate the effects of pollution from transportation– the gondola project aims to take thousands of cars off the road and serve as a zero-emission transportation alternative.
“Now, more than ever, we need thoughtful solutions that take polluting cars off the road and lead to a more connected Los Angeles,” said Jonathan Parfrey, Executive Director of Climate Resolve’s supporting organization Zero Emissions Transit, working closely for efforts to build the gondola project. “The aerial gondola project will be the first of many more emission-free- innovations from Zero Emissions Transit that will help reduce air pollution and improve quality of life for Angelenos.”
The gondola system has a much higher ridership capacity than other forms of public transportation. A draft environmental document released by Metro estimated that by 2026, the system is expected to carry close to 6,000 riders between Union Station and Dodger Stadium during each game. That number jumps to 10,000 by the year 2042. It would take 77 buses running every hour to meet a similar capacity.
The zero-emission gondola would provide the first permanent transit connection to Dodger Stadium since it was built 60 years ago. Rather than sitting in traffic, fans will enjoy free fares to Dodger games and a scenic ride from downtown to Dodger Stadium in just seven minutes. The gondola will also provide local benefits outside of game-time periods, including a “Community Access Program” that would allow residents and employees of businesses close to the project to ride the gondola for a Metro fare, at no additional cost. Close to 6,000 individuals and more than 340 businesses in Chinatown, El Pueblo, and Lincoln Heights have signed up to support the project.
The project team has spoken to thousands of households and met with dozens of community organizations, transportation, and environmental advocacy groups who support this sustainable urban transit solution. In response to stakeholder input, the project scope has expanded to include elements that increase the mobility, accessibility, and environmental benefits of the aerial gondola, including an additional passenger station, pedestrian connections, and improvements to Los Angeles State Historic Park.
For more information about the project visit www.laart.la. For more information about Climate Resolve visit www.climateresolve.org.
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Download the full release here.