The Culver City City Council recently discussed the idea of establishing a trolley that would take passengers along West Washington Boulevard and, ultimately to the beach. Despite the budget crunch in which the city finds itself, the idea has plenty of merit and should be seriously considered.
The public transportation option would serve not only the residents of Culver City, but Westsiders in the vicinity, as well. New ideas are required if Southern California is ever going to get away from the notion that private vehicles are the preferred method of travel in this region. If investment is required to get things started, it’s a worthwhile cause.
As an additional incentive, the trolley could serve as a distinct way of branding the city as a unique destination among a hodge-podge of communities in the area. If city officials are serious about creating a “Gateway to Culver City” along West Washington Boulevard, this would seem like a perfect opportunity to brand the city, as city council members have previously discussed.
Imagine a colorful cable-car type vehicle or an old-timey Red Line-sort of car that advertised Culver City to the rest of the area. Take that one step further and imagine local businesses advertising on or inside it, as well. Cities in Los Angeles County, as a way of distinguishing themselves, need identifiable, iconic imagery in order to stand out. Culver City has some identifiable features but requires a more modern image if it is going to compete for recreational dollars.
A sustainable public transportation system highlighted by a small fleet of instantly-discernible retro-style trolley cars would serve to create a Gateway to Culver City that resonates throughout the county.
