Why You Ride: Peter Elder, West Hollywood

Why You Ride (or Don't)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: Peter Elder
Occupation: Accounts Payable Clerk
Location: West Hollywood

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

Every morning and evening to get to work, and some weekends to go out to the bars in Silverlake… love that the 4 runs 24 hours!

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

West Hollywood to Santa Monica.

What lines/routes do you take?

704 and 4. 720 if I’m making a stop in Westwood.

How long does it typically take?

30 minutes in the morning, an hour in the evening going to and from work.

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?

Save money and help the environment, and because I got sick of maintaining my car and paying for insurance.

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Why You Don't Ride: Tova, San Gabriel Valley

Why You Ride (or Don't)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: Tova
Occupation: PCO
Location: San Gabriel Valley

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

Everyday. To get to work, church, and any place for errands.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

My house in Mayflower Village to my church in Little Miami, Azusa.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

3

How long does your commute typically take?

To my job: 8 mins

To my church: 12 minutes via the 210 Freeway; 30 minutes when there’s traffic on the 210, resulting me to take side streets that get me there within 17 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 used to when I went to high school such as a skateboard or bicycle.

Why do you drive?

Convenient – because I get to leave in my time and not on someone else’s schedule.

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Why You Ride: Jung Gatoona, Downtown L.A.

Why You Ride (or Don't)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: Jung Gatoona
Occupation: Student
Location: Downtown L.A.

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

I’m car-free 100%, so I take transit all the time, and because of that there isn’t a day when I’m not on a bus or train. I take transit to get to school, to visit my family, to go grocery shopping, to meet up with friends, to explore Los Angeles, and to simply just live life.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

I end up going all over Southern California via transit, but I always start my commute from Downtown Los Angeles. Living in Downtown has its benefits when it comes to getting around without a car, and I love the fact I live right next to a subway station.

What lines/routes do you take?

Red Line, Purple Line, Blue Line, Green Line, Gold Line, Rapid 720, Rapid 733, BBB 10, BBB 7, 420, Metrolink Orange County Line, and more.

How long does it typically take?

Depending on where I go, it can take me on average 10 minutes or 3 hours. Sure transit can be a bit more time consuming than driving around, but I love each second I’m waiting at a stop, or when I’m on a bus or train. I always catch up on the latest news, my emails or social networking thanks to not having to focus on driving.

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?

Less than $50

Why do you take transit?

I take transit not because I have to, but because I love to. Sure it helps me save a ridiculous amount of money, but to me it’s more than that. To me, taking transit is a passion, a way of life I really enjoy.

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Why You Don't Ride: John C, Santa Monica

Why You Ride (or Don't)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: John C
Occupation: Bartender
Location: Santa Monica

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

Twice a week for work.  I bike to my second job in Santa Monica.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Santa Monica to Downtown.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

1

How long does your commute typically take?

45 minutes during the day, 15 minutes at night.

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?

$100 – $300

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

Bicycle.

Why do you drive?

No other way to get there without taking 2+ hours.

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Why You Ride: VP, Westside

Why You Ride (or Don't)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: VP
Occupation: Radio producer
Location: Westside

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

Daily. Easier than dealing with parking on the Westside!

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

To work (I walk home).

What lines/routes do you take?

Line 4 heading to downtown.

How long does it typically take?

The trip takes five minutes.  Waiting for the bus usually takes 15 minutes, as the bus is usually late.

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?

$300 – $500

Why do you take transit?

Save money, help the environment, reduce stress, parking is a nightmare and life is WAY more entertaining when you use public transit.

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Majority of readers are equipped with smartphone

The Source poll: Mobile Devices

In our recent (unscientific) poll of Source readers, 83% report having some sort of smartphone. Android devices are the most popular, just beating out the iPhone. At the same time, over 10% of readers report having no mobile web access at all.

Of course, this poll only represents the Source readership, who are likely some of the more tech savvy of Metro customers. Still, it implies that smartphone apps are probably worth investing in and that Metro would be smart to study cross platform apps.

After the jump, comments from readers. Continue reading

@MetroLosAngeles Twitter Tuesday

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.

Rants:

joeTOCIE dont tell me i ran for nothing this morning… @metrolosangeles 91 make up your mind with schedule!!

brian_scully Bus now over half an hour late. Seriously, @metrolosangeles? Seriously?

markhud Sad how I can’t afford to take the bus @metrolosangeles any more after the regressive rate hike. The old $5 was bad enough, but $6/day!?!

CarlessValGirlBus 165 heading East was 20 mins late & is now going over the speed limit to make up for lost time. Is that how you roll, #metrolosangeles?

thelittlefella Morning started out great with a scone on my way to work only to lose $3 to @metrolosangeles tix machines. #publictransitfail

Kythera Hm. Late 108 again tonight. Is there something gumming up the route between Marina Del Ray and Culver City? #metrolosangeles

CarlessValGirl Because it would be a crime to arrive on time, bus 230/239 heading south is 7 minutes late. Roadwork on Nordhoff, maybe? #metrolosangeles

Compliments:

thebusbench #metrolosangeles using loudspeaker technology to inform Florence Blueline of delays & options. GOOD! Being decent is a good start Metro.

Kythera Oh good. The 232 still managed to leave on time. :) #metrolosangeles

EVtakeover Every #metrolosangeles bus this weekend has been on time, keep it up!

wiyum kudos to MTA #metrolosangeles !! Moving 754 SB start pt from Vermont/Sunset to Hollywood Bl best decision ever! No walk penalty from 780!

RobertMoranLA after reading @theresamoretti tweet. I have to say another advantage of riding #metrolosangeles is not getting stuck in LA traffic.

ccjao I think it’s good customer service day or something. Good some quick feedback @metrolosangeles today too :)

SimonOh @MetrolinkOC thank you for coordinating with @metrolosangeles to have all trains wait for us. You’ve saved my life!!!

CoasterMatt Hey @metrolosangeles – The Orange Line is AWESOME- When is the extension to Chatsworth Station coming?

@CoasterMatt, the Orange Line Chatsworth Extension is forecast open in summer of 2012. In the meantime you can follow the project page on Metro.net.

Good ideas, observations and some criticism of The Source, after the jump. Continue reading

Why You Don't Ride: Ciacci, Miracle Mile

Why You Ride (or Don't)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: Ciacci
Occupation: Artist
Location: Miracle Mile

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

I ride a 150cc Scooter 5 days a week to and from work.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Miracle Mile’s Fairfax and Wilshire to EL Segundo. Straight down La Cienga.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

None. But I’m looking to buy a Vintage VW Camper Van for the weekends!

How long does your commute typically take?

On my scooter it takes 30 minutes each way – traffic is never a problem. I can take La Cienga or I can go through Culver City. It’s great passing by all those chumps sitting in traffic!

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?

Less than $50

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

I have two bicycles that I use on the weekends and when I was taking the Metro sometimes I would car pool with a colleague on the Harbor Transitway from Artesia.

Why do you drive?

Instead of paying $119 for a monthly pass I decided to buy a ultra- fuel efficient GAS scooter for $1200. In 10 months I’ll have the scooter paid off and I also cut my commute time in half! Plus I can still sell it and make a profit.

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Why You Ride: Jay, Hollywood

Why You Ride (or Don't)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: Jay
Occupation: County employee
Location: Hollywood

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

4-5 days per week, to and from work site.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Hollywood/Highland to Civic Center.

What lines/routes do you take?

Red Line.

How long does it typically take?

20 minutes.

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?

Save wear/tear on my car, try to lighten my carbon footprint and it’s cheaper than paying for parking my car near the office.

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Why You Ride: Sabrina, Cerritos

Why You Ride (or Don't)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: Sabrina
Occupation: Student
Location: Cerritos

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

I take it almost every day.  I started off just using it for getting to school in L.A. (USC!!) and back, but then I ended up interning in Pasadena and took Metro Rail because it was so convenient.  Then I found out you can take the Metro Rail almost anywhere and avoid being stressed out by darn L.A. traffic.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

School at USC, internship in Pasadena.

What lines/routes do you take?

Green Line, Blue Line, Red Line, Gold Line, Dash F and Metro Line 204.

How long does it typically take?

2 hours.

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?

Less than $50

Why do you take transit?

Save money, save the environment, save myself from getting a ticket, save myself from parking and save myself from getting crashed into down in L.A.

Continue reading