THE REGION’S TRANSIT NETWORK : Getting There

Across the Southland, transit officials, politicians and planners are grappling with an unpleasant legacy: congestion. Today, despite their best efforts, most drivers venture forth alone in their cars. By 2010, the region’s population is expected to reach more than 18 million, and experts warn that if nothing more is done, the speed on freeways will slow to an average of 24 m.p.h.

Regionwide, officials are creating a mosaic of transportation options.

In Los Angeles, the focus is on rail--from Metrolink to the upcoming Red Line subway. In other areas, bus service or road projects are under way. Elsewhere, more innovative approaches -- from privately operated toll roads to elevated transitways or even monorails -- are being discussed.

Here is a look at the region’s existing transportation network as well as some of the major projects planned or under way.

LOS ANGLES COUNTY

Rail is sweeping the county. The Metro Blue Line is two years old, Metrolink commuter train service was introduced in October and the city’s new subway will open this weekend. Metro Blue Line Metro Blue Line (Planned) Metro Red Line Metro Red Line (Planned) Metro Green Line (Planned) Commuter rail lines (Metrolink) Planned commuter rail lines (Metrolink) Existing car-pool lanes Planned car-pool lanes

Ventura County

Expansion of the county’s bus routes is the top transit priority. Freeway construction Commuter bus service Commuter rail (Metrolink)

Orange County

Officials are setting up the state’s first privately operated toll road and the first so-called “superstreets.” Planned toll roads Existing car-pool lanes Planned car-pool lanes Commuter rail (Metrolink) Commuter rail (Metrolink) under development

San Diego County

The emphasis is on upgrading and completing the county’s highway system. In more populated areas, the existing trolley network is being expanded. Car-pool lanes Planned car-pool lanes Planned highway improvements Commuter rail Urban rail (trolley) Planned urban rail (trolley) Planned urban rail (non-trolley) Sources: Los Angeles County Transportation Commission, Southern California Rapid Transit District, Los Angeles Dept. of Transportation, Orange County Transportation Authority, Amtrak, San Diego Assn. of Governments, Metropolitan Transit Development Board, North County Transit District, San Diego Transit System, Ventura County Transportation Commission.