The DASH mini-bus system that serves Downtown LA (DTLA) consists of 5 lines. They are laid out in a confusing arrangement that requires careful map study. For an area built on a simple grid, the DASH lines manage to remarkably mangle that grid.
Only one line runs on week-ends and everyday they all stop running after 7 pm. All these facts should make it obvious that the system was designed in an era when Downtown Los Angeles functioned during business hours only.
The proposed street car will not cover half the area the DASH lines cover.
Meanwhile DASH covers most of Downtown Los Angeles. But by the end of the year DTLA's newest and greenest attraction will open and only one line will service it--two blocks away and only during business hours.
Los Angeles State Historic Park
It's time to re-think not only how DTLA is served by DASH but how everyone--tourists, residents, workers--can access the park.
GUIDELINES FOR RE-THINKING DASH LINES
--make the bus lines more intuitive to use by incorporating the
existing street pattern in their re-arrangement
(i.e. north, south, east, west lines)
--analyze needs of residents, workers, and visitors
(identify high activity areas and hours)
--integrate into the rail and bus lines
NOTE: On March 1, 2015 a new Dash schedule with minor route and schedule changes went into effect. However, my same criticisms of irregular routes and limited hours still apply to the changes. It is time for all stakeholders to ask elected officials to RETHINK Downtown DASH!
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