It looks like the Dodgers will get their gondola after all. Following opposition from community groups and residents, the L.A. Metro board has approved the construction of the gondola, which will span the Dodger Stadium parking lots to Los Angeles Union Station.
The 1.2-mile route will run north from Union Station on cables suspended more than 100 feet above Alameda Street. Stops are planned for the Metro Chinatown Station and Los Angeles State Historic Park.
According to an environmental study citied by Urbanize, maximum capacity on the gondola system is estimated to be 5,000 passengers per hour. Cabins would travel at a speed of approximately 13.4 miles per hour with headways of 23 seconds, leading to an end-to-end trip of seven minutes.
Chinatown residents as well as the California Endowment opposed the project, even unsuccessfully challenging the construction in court.
Among conditions Metro’s board put on their approval, Zero Emission Transit, the gondola’s operator will:
- create a business interruption fund to compensate local businesses and organizations impacted by construction
- permanently set aside 10 percent of marketing opportunities for local Chinatown businesses and organizations
- offer free and unlimited riders to Chinatown residents and businesses in perpetuity
- install bike and micro-mobility hubs and each project station
- develop a community benefits agreement which would include anti-displacement funds for residents and businesses
- provide funding for the Dodger Stadium Express
Construction could begin this year and conclude within 25 months. You can read Urbanize’s full report here.
Renderings by LA ART