Closer to the Action?

MCA Inc. is pressing Los Angeles County transportation officials to relocate a proposed subway station to a site more convenient to its Universal Studios Hollywood amusement park. The move would also place the Metro Rail station within walking distance of Universal CityWalk, a popular new promenade of restaurants and shops adjacent to the park. The idea deserves consideration, particularly in light of the fact that the theme park drew 4.8 million visitors last year.

Current plans call for the Universal City Red Line Station to open in the year 2000 on Lankershim Boulevard near the front entrance of the Universal Studios Tour--fully half a mile downhill from most of the park.

Moving the station uphill, Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials fear, would require new project designs and a new contract for tunneling. The question of whether a new environmental impact study would be required must also be considered, along with the possibility that county officials might have to revise their funding agreement with the federal government.

Even so, the alternative suggested by MCA--which has its world headquarters at Universal Studios here--might alleviate the need for the transportation authority to purchase businesses and homes along Lankershim Boulevard and beyond to make way for parking. MCA could help by coming up with a plan, and the property needed, for that parking. MCA must make such an offer if its proposal is to overcome objections and receive the serious consideration it deserves.