Originally Posted by
josephstern
Is there some "explain it like I'm 5" overview of why this tram is almost complete but due to some labor action, we can't use it for another 16 months?
In 16 months, a lot of traffic, noise, and air pollution will be generated. And if this labor dispute is projected to be dealt with by Jan of 2026, why can't we bring that date forward?
I'm sure there are valid reasons, but the bit I know just doesn't add up.
While labor union demands had some bearing along with lawsuits/liens from contractors, ultimately the project was way overbudget, and the City of Los Angeles had to go through the process of voting to allocate a lot of extra money. The City of Los Angeles Government structure is very bloated and bureaucratic, requiring committee hearings and interim vote approval (
Trade, Travel and Tourism Committee plus the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissions), before it can be formalized by the 15-member
City Council. The City back in April expected a $475 million overall budget deficit for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2024. Me thinks the $400 million to finish the tram, probably was not fully baked into the negative $475 million.