Design/Access Ratings:> Gateway Plaza-Union METRO Station > Los Angeles
This page shows Station Design and Accessibility Ratings for Design Features readily found in the vicinity of the transit station. Observations were made in 2001 .
Rating criteria and descriptions:
high(8)
 
 
 
 
 
 
low(1)
 
(7)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Station Design Rating
The station is a historic building and was recently renovated. The quality of design and level of services has made it an attractive destination for tourists, school children and TV crew. The station also has retail and lounging space that increases the attractiveness of Union Station over other metro stations in Los Angeles downtown and surrounding areas.
high(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
low(1)
 
 
(3) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pedestrian Accessibility Rating
The Union Station is not connected with its surrounding uses by effective pedestrian links. Major hurdles are crossing N. Alameda Street from Chinatown, though Chinatown itself is pedestrian friendly. Due to Freeway 101 and rail track on the south and east of the site, access is further restricted.
high(4)
 
 
 
 
 
 
low(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
 
Bicycle Accessibility Rating:
There are no existing bike routes around Union Station. Downtown Los Angeles has some designated routes but they do not extend across Freeway 101 to Union Station. There is no convenient bike parking location on site, except a few spots at the service entry behind the station which is very difficult to find.

Rating criteria and descriptions of the numerical ratings for station design, pedestrian accessibility, and bicycle accessibility ratings (shown above) are:

   
Station Design:   Based on-
1:   Access to transit information and ticketing facilities.
2:   Comfortable waiting area.
3:   Integration of public and retail spaces.
4:   Other amenities.
     
Rating Examples:
   1:   Exposed station area and minimal signage
2:   Kiosk and limited waiting area with passenger information
3:   Exclusive station area with sheltered loading area
4:   Enclosed station area and grade separation
5:   With minor amenities such as Agents Ticket stations and Bicycle facilities
6:   With vendors and minor retail
7:   With pervasive and effective public spaces
8:   With fully integrated public and retail spaces
   
Pedestrian Accessibility:   Based on-
1:   The orientation of the station toward street or toward parking facilities.
2:   Presence of safe and convenient pedestrian routes.
3:   Pedestrian amenities such as landscaping, lighting, and signage.
     
Rating Examples:   1:   No pedestrian intent - park and ride
2:   Minimum pedestrian facility but auto emphasized - freeway median station
3:   Pedestrian facility on par with automobiles - signaled crosswalk
4:   Pedestrian facility emphasized over automobile - pedestrian plaza/ spine
   
Bicycle
Accessibility:		   Based on-
1:   Presence of bike lanes.
2:   Bike parking and storage facilities
     
Rating Examples:   1:   No bike intent - no bike lane or signage
2:   Minimum bike facility by auto emphasized - wide curb lane
3:   Bike facility at par with automobile - bike lane
4:   Bike facility emphasized over automobile - dedicated access with parking and storage