MTA Decree Lifts

US Judge Terry Hatter has lifted the consent decree on the MTA. The decree was adopted in 1996. The MTA overcame opposition from the Bus Riders' Union. The lifting of the decree will allow for the beginning of a rationalization of services and fares. Full story

Light rail to LAX

The Los Angeles Times rounds up MTA's new proposed path for running light rail service directly to LAX. The proposed route would be a new line running along Crenshaw Blvd. The line could be ready as early as 2015 if the $1 billion needed to finance it can be found. Full story

Bus fare dispute

In the LA Daily News . . . bus fares will be a contentious issue. The decree constraining MTA expires soon, unless a motion to extend it is granted at a hearing on Thursday. The Bus Riders Union is also lobbying City Hall in an attempt to force Villariagosa to block MTA board action on the subject. MTA faces a $1.8 billion operating deficit within a decade. Full story