Lack of Parking Hampers Subway Commuters

Lately, commuters at the North Hollywood subway station have been circling like sharks.

Their prey: the elusive parking space.

Since the Red Line subway opened at the end of June, completing Los Angeles’ $4.7-billion system, parking has become a precious commodity at the North Hollywood station. At peak hours, the lot is frequently full, forcing many frustrated motorists to head for the exits.

“I know a lot of people are complaining about it,” said Javier Partida, 44, a waiter at a downtown Los Angeles restaurant who lives in Burbank. “This happens every single day.”

On Monday, Partida lucked out and found a parking spot. But he’s often forced to park his 1994 black Jetta on city streets. “Sometimes I am worried that I will come back and my car radio will be gone,” he said, “or my car.”

A three-day survey this month by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority found that between 8 a.m. and noon, the lots at North Hollywood and Universal City were 90% to completely full. As of mid-July, average daily boardings and arrivals totaled 15,902.

Transit officials say they see a silver lining in the parking mess: It’s a golden opportunity to blast automobile commuters out from behind the wheel.

Though several dusty, empty, publicly owned parcels slated for other use surround the North Hollywood station, MTA officials oppose paving them over for parking, even if temporarily.

MTA board member and county Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky said the parking shortage is a chance to encourage people to use public transportation to reach the two stations.

One quick fix being considered by the MTA is a restriping of lots at both stations to create some spots. More bike racks and lockers will be added.

Several empty lots around the North Hollywood station are spoken for, officials said.

When first planning the subway, the transit agency had proposed substantially more parking.

As far back as 1983, transit planners sought 1,180 spots at the North Hollywood station, but that many cars would not fit on the 11.5-acre parcel. The final lot has 847 spots, including 147 Kiss ‘N’ Ride spaces, which are for passenger drop-off or pickup only.

Eventually, the parking lot, which also features a bus plaza, will be revamped for a multistory parking facility, said Jim de la Loza, MTA executive officer of planning and programming.

The Community Redevelopment Agency owns two nearby lots but is reluctant to loan the property for parking, even if temporarily. Both properties are jointly owned with private owners. Lillian Burkenheim, the redevelopment agency’s North Hollywood project manager, said she will meet with the MTA this week to discuss the idea.

Commuters, in the meantime, are making do.

Jimmie Livingston, 21, suggests more people carpool to stations, instead of driving alone.

Livingston drove with a friend Monday.

“People are never happy. They are always going to complain about something,” he said. “I see a lot of people who drive alone.”