The citizens of the City of Los Angeles (the “City”) require the most efficient and cost effective public transportation available.  The City needs rail transit for the East-West San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor (currently known as the Orange Line busway).

            The City has proven an overwhelming demand for mass transportation. We therefore, wish to repeal the Robbins Bill (1991, SB 211), which was introduced by State Senator Alan Robbins.

            The Robbins Bill prevented the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (or Metro) from constructing transportation rail lines in the San Fernando Valley as originally planned (San Fernando Valley East-West Transportation Corridor Major Investment Study, May 1996).  The planned rail line was to be either a continuation of the Red Line Heavy Rail Train from the North Hollywood station to the I-405 freeway, a Light Rail Train from the Red Line’s North Hollywood Station to Valley Circle Blvd, or a combination of the two.

            The now constructed Orange Line busway was not considered a viable option in 1996 as it would cost considerably more to construct then rail.  However, due to the Robbins Bill, the busway was the only alternative available.

          The now operating Orange Line busway was not designed to be 'rail on wheels'.  It would cost too much money to achieve that level of service.  Metro predicted the Orange Line busway would be slower than non-busway routes and the prediction came true.  It would now be faster to travel by Metro Rapid Transit via surface streets then it is to travel on the Orange Line bus.  The Orange Line busway is over capacity and any improvement to transportation in the East-West San Fernando Valley Transit Corridor requires the use of rail transit. 

            Finally, due to construction of the Orange Line busway, Metro places undue emphasis on continuing the use of busways instead of railways for transportation projects in the San Fernando Valley.  The use of busways has done little and will continue to do little to improve the movement and quality of life for the people of Los Angeles.  For all these reasons, we collectively demand the repeal of the Robbins Bill and to be given the freedom to decide what transportation projects are best for us and our communities.