Readers React: Monorails? Only at Disneyland

Why is it that every time a transit corridor like the Sepulveda Pass is discussed, someone brings up the “great idea” of monorails? (“Make drivers pay for HOV lane access,” Letters, May 29)

It has been proved through numerous studies over the years that monorails do not have the passenger capacity needed for high-travel corridors. They also would require maintenance yards the size of a football stadium, and associated parking.

In the Sepulveda Pass, a monorail, even if otherwise a viable option, would have the same operational problem as light rail or any other mode operating elevated over the freeway. Climbing the steep grade on the north side of the Santa Monica Mountains cannot be accomplished by a fully-loaded rail car; any rail line connecting Sherman Oaks and Westwood would need to be at least partially underground.

So enough with the talk of monorails already! Let them remain at Disneyland where they belong — as a tourist attraction, not a transit mode.

Kymberleigh Richards

Van Nuys

The writer is a member of the Metro San Fernando Valley Service Council.