Category Archives: Feedback

Why You Don't Ride: Nirad, Downtown L.A.

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‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: Nirad
Occupation: Web Designer
Location: Downtown L.A. (Historic Core)

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

2-3 times per week. I work from home, but I use the car to run errands, get groceries, go out to eat, etc.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

I have no typical route. But usually I am going from Downtown L.A. to somewhere west or north of here.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

1 car for 2 people.

How long does your commute typically take?

No commute. I work from home and my wife walks to work.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical driving experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I deal with it.

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

$50 – $100

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

No. It is too dangerous to bike in this city.

Why do you drive?

Convenient, comfortable and fast. It goes where I need to, I can transport groceries and other things. It’s safe at night.

Continue reading →

Why You Ride: Vicente A., San Fernando Valley

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‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: Vicente A.
Occupation: Student
Location: San Fernando Valley

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

I take transit several times a week-for school, work, or entertainment.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

I travel from my apartment to work and back or to school and back home or to go somewhere fun (Hollywood, the beach, Universal Studios, Downtown LA, etc).

What lines/routes do you take?

I commonly use the 168 or the 167 to get to work and the 158 to the 234 to get to school. I use the Red Line several times a month to get to Hollywood or Downtown.

How long does it typically take?

To work it’s as little as 15 minutes and to school about half an hour.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical transit experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I love it!

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

$50 – $100

Why do you take transit?

I take transit for a combination of saving money, saving the environment, maintaining a more active lifestyle (incorporating walking into my commute) and not dealing with parking or traffic.

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Why You Don't Ride: Alison K, Santa Monica

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‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: Alison K
Occupation: Planner
Location: Santa Monica

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

I drive rarely – just to go to the grocery store, drive carpool to the high school or go to meetings out of Santa Monica.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

I bike all over Santa Monica, day and night, weekend and weekday, for fun and for work.  When I need to go further, I usually drive to USC, Downtown L.A., LAX or Malibu.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

Two cars for four drivers.

How long does your commute typically take?

I work from a home office.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical driving experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I hate it. There has to be a better way.

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

Less than $50

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

Bicycle to meetings, library, movies, church. Carpool to school, meetings in Downtown L.A. or further. Walk to doctor, stores, park, friends.

Why do you drive?

To take two to four people more than five miles, going out at night, to buy groceries or other bulky items.  We drive very short distances and only a few times a week.

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Why You Ride: Reed R. Blanton, Melrose District

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‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: Reed R. Blanton
Occupation: Server
Location: Melrose District

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

Up to six days a week for work, gym, food, shopping, and pleasure.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Typically from home to work.

What lines/routes do you take?

217, 780, Red Line to North Hollywood, 224, and 165.

How long does it typically take?

On a good day only forty five minutes. On an average day, anywhere from one hour to an hour and a half.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical transit experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I love it!

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

$50 – $100

Why do you take transit?

For all the reasons everyone should ride public transit. It really does save money. Imagine, seventy five dollars a month gets you on any Metro transit, even some non-Metro transit. Add up the cost of gas, vehicle insurance, financing costs, plus vehicle repairs, add the stress of driving in the L.A. Metro area, why wouldn’t anyone want to ride public transit?

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Why You Don't Ride: Tim, West L.A.

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‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: Tim
Occupation: Membership Consultant
Location: West L.A.

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

Daily 20-30 miles on average mostly for commuting to work in Hollywood.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

West LA to Hollywood.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

1

How long does your commute typically take?

45-60 minutes

Briefly, how would you describe your typical driving experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I deal with it.

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

$100 – $300

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

I take the Red Line from Hollywood when I can to meetings and/or events at Universal, Hollywood and Vine and Downtown.

Why do you drive?

It is convenient, I also have to rely on my car over the transit schedule due to my job.

Continue reading →

Why You Ride: JJT, Santa Monica

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‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: JJT
Occupation: Dir, Technology
Location: Santa Monica

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

Once or twice a week to get to work as a break from driving or if I left my car somewhere overnight.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

To work and back – Santa Monica to Beverly Hills.

What lines/routes do you take?

Mostly the 720, occasionally the 704. 920 if I’m really lucky.

How long does it typically take?

45m – 1hr including the walk on either end.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical transit experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I deal with it.

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

$50 – $100

Why do you take transit?

Mostly to reduce stress. It’s a nice break to read a magazine and listen to the radio. Also, the walking is good for my health (I walk a little extra to avoid transfers).

Continue reading →

@MetroLosAngeles Twitter Tuesday

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Welcome to Twitter Tuesday, a weekly feature here at The Source in which we’ll round up the latest Metro related tweets in the Twitterverse. To follow Metro on Twitter just search for @MetroLosAngeles. We recommend adding the #MetroLosAngeles tag to your tweets to get our attention.

And when it comes to complaints, the best way to get them addressed is to use the Customer Comment Form on Metro.net. There you can provide all the detail needed so that customer service reps may best address your problems.

Complaints and criticisms:

Kythera More of a bad trend: Waited at Slauson/Alviso starting at 8:55am, bus at 9:08, arrival at Fox Hills Mall at 9:32. Not good. #metrolosangeles

anyonebutgil @metrolosangeles at temple/alvarado. lady was saying shed been waiting 30+ mins for 10 bus. didnt believe her until 3 10 buses IN A ROW came

reubenduarte There something intrinsically wrong about the @MetroLosAngeles bus stops in Beverly Hills that make riders wait on wet grass or dirt…

kenyaw #annoyingfactoftheday if you are transferring btw @metrolosangeles #Greenline & #BlueLine you have to leave the station to buy a txfr ticket

blinkie Another day, another broken credit card reader at Lake Station. @metrolosangeles #transitfail

SevenPhoto @metrolosangeles my bus driver stopped to ask a street vendor about cell phone accessories while I was running late for work…wth!!???

ghostgirl13 The further south you go in LA, the worst @metrolosangeles service seems to get. Been waiting 30 minutes for a bus due 15 minutes ago…

JimmyDiesel @metrolosangeles bus 6519 was 15 mins late to it’s stop at SM & Vermont and then the driver parks and pees for 20 mins???

sirinya47 On a @metrolosangeles 720, just got out of Beverly Hills. So slow!!

StephanieLantry @metrolosangeles If my card with a monthly pass doesn’t work are the drivers required to patronize me when I tell them? That’s twice now.

StephanieLantry Been waiting 45 min for the 705 in WeHo, I’ve seen 2 “not in service” go by. What an efficient alternative to owning a car! #Metrolosangeles

Kythera Once again, it takes from 9:08 to 9:30am for the 108 to get from Slauson/Alviso to Fox Hills Mall. Not a good trend, @metrolosangeles.

estebanuribe Somehow being 30 mins earlier at the bus stop = get to work only 10 minutes earlier #fail @metrolosangeles

joeTOCIE i was so close to letting my @metrolosangeles frustrations out. then the bus got here :)

CoasterMatt Higher fares and lousier service than anywhere in the known universe – that’s @metrolosangeles

pilyoc @metrolosangeles n regards to detours bad driver on bus 7422 line 705 didn’t pick up on compton/vernon stop. let her manger know please!

wiyum @metrolosangeles just because it’s the 28 line doesn’t mean you’re supposed to wait 28 minutes for it. poor OTP for line 28/728 so far today

AlaiaWilliams @metrolosangeles Can you fix the mobile site. the fact that it wont work is killing me!

trixywh @metrolosangeles I hate public transit in LA, people who decide the routes/times have never used it! Get out of ur cars!

6miSE_DTLA @metrolosangeles Day of Dead in ELA via Gold Line = Great! Not able 2 load $3 to Tap card = not great. System updated soon? #metrolosangeles

JeffPlease The @metrolosangeles bus is late. Sad times.

Kudos and compliments:

Waltarrrrr Now I’m at a #PunkRock show at The Echoplex in Echo Park! Thanks @Metrolosangeles for not failing me tonight.

kenyaw And we’re back! Travel w/shuttle & @metrolosangeles fr #LAX to #DTLB 1 hour Cost $3.00 Ease of travel=Priceless
http://plixi.com/p/55650316

Kythera 108 ran like clockwork this morning. Huzzah! o/ More of this please! #metrolosangeles

brian_scully Okay, @metrolosangeles. Today, I give you credit. Studio City -> Universal City -> Union Station -> LAX, no wait longer than 2 min. Awesome.

victoriabernal Our calavera-selves riding Gold Line last night:
http://bit.ly/9S8aLl
. @MetroLosAngeles made Dia De Los Muertos so much easier this year!

adam_murray1023 @metrolosangeles with the economy bad and only having 1 car metro gets me to jobs, interviews and everywhere in between.

mcnattums @metrolosangeles blueline willow to 7metro 4 work. Saves gas, time 2 read, and gives me material
http://www.today-on-the-train.com

Good ideas and observations in transit, after the jump. Continue reading →

Why You Don't Ride: Judy, Lincoln Heights

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‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: Judy
Occupation: Financial Analyst
Location: Lincoln Heights

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

7 days a week for work and for pleasure.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

For work: Lincoln Heights to Pasadena
For pleasure: to Inglewood, North Hollywood, Culver City, Santa Monica, Alhambra, Hollywood

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

1

How long does your commute typically take?

20 minutes

Briefly, how would you describe your typical driving experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I love it!

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

More than $500

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

I take LA public transit 2 to 3 times a year, only if I have to go directly to a location and come directly back, and parking is going to be a pain.  For instance, riding the 76 bus to go downtown for jury duty.  Riding the Gold Line from South Pasadena to Chinatown for the Chinese New Year Parade.

I take the Amtrak Surfliner whenever I have to go to San Diego (about once a year.)

Why do you drive?

Usually traveling to multiple locations within a single day.  I drive more than 2,000 miles a month going between home and work and 3 different fitness studios.

Continue reading →

Why You Ride: PM, South Bay

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‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: PM
Occupation: Retired
Location: South Bay

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

Typically, four days a week. Exercise, meeting, dental appointments and sight seeing (sometimes).

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Torrance-Redondo Beach
Torrance-Long Beach
Torrance-UCLA

What lines/routes do you take?

Silver Line, 2/302, Green Line, Blue line, LBT46, 210, 130, 344, T3, BCT102

How long does it typically take?

Anywhere from 1 hour to 2.5 hours, depending on connections.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical transit experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I love it!

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

$50 – $100

Why do you take transit?

It’s cheaper than driving and I have the time.

Continue reading →

Why You Don't Ride: Richard, East L.A.

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‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: Richard
Occupation: Administrative
Location: East L.A.

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

To and from work.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

East L.A. to Downtown L.A.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

6

How long does your commute typically take?

30-40 minutes.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical driving experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I deal with it.

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

$100 – $300

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

Bike on occasion. Sometimes will take Gold Line train if traveling during the day.

Why do you drive?

Much less time involved due to extremely long waits for buses at night.

Continue reading →