Category Archives: Why You Ride

Why You Ride: Vijay, L.A. County

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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: Vijay
Occupation: Government employee
Location: L.A. County (Unincorporated)

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

I ride the Metro bus line Monday through Friday, weekly, to and from work. Unless the bus is too late, then I drive.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Imperial Hwy/Western Ave to Broadway Ave/Pico Blvd and back.

What lines/routes do you take?

Mornings: From Imperial/Western, the 757 or 207, to Western/MLK, then 740 or 40/42A, to Broadway/Pico. The bus line varies depending on the bus driver. Some drivers seem to be later than late, and I catch the buses earlier than I need too. I can’t be late to work. As a result, I drive more than I would like.

Afternoons: From Broadway/Pico, the 745, to the Green Line station. From there I walk 2 miles home because the Imperial bus, #120, takes too long and I can mostly beat it walking to Imperial/Western.

How long does it typically take?

Morning, if drivers arrives at Imperial/Western which is the first stop going North, 40+ minutes, including wait time. Afternoon, since I only catch one bus, 25+ minutes. I walk the rest.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical transit 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

Why do you take transit?

To save money on gas, downtown parking fees, repairs, car insurance and to cut gas emissions on the earth. But, I drive more than I would like to so my savings are not as much as they should be. My stress, I feel, has increased because I believe there is no reason to be up to 2-8 minutes late to the first stop after the bus leaves the Crenshaw Station to Imperial/Western. Driver #9445 is always 2 to 8 minutes late to Imperial/Western (the first stop) going North to the Hollywood Station. It’s sad. America’s Best is a joke. I now take the bus before his to get to work extra early.

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Why You Don't Ride: Devin, Woodland Hills

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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: Devin
Occupation: Film Editor
Location: Woodland Hills

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

I drive to and from work, plus any meetings I have to take during the course of a day.  On the weekends I drive to entertainment, friends, family, etc.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

I’m usually driving between Woodland Hills and Studio City.  Usually I take Vanowen to Lankershim as it is more predictable in the morning.  I take the 101 in the evening.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

We have a Toyota Prius and a Honda Civic GX (the CNG powered version).  The Prius will be replaced by a Nissan Leaf at the end of the year when deliveries are scheduled.

How long does your commute typically take?

Between 40 and 60 minutes each way.

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?

$300 – $500

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

I use Metro whenever possible.  I can walk to the nearby Orange Line station and sometimes I work on projects that are at or around the Universal City station on the Red Line.

Why do you drive?

Driving gives me the flexibility that my job requires.  Sometimes I also have to take meetings at other locations during the day which can be relatively inaccessible by transit.

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Why You Ride: A.T., Pasadena

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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: A.T.
Occupation: Planner (not Metro)
Location: Pasadena

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

Daily commute. Often at lunch time. Also, for entertainment.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Pasadena to downtown (commute). Downtown Dash to various places for lunch. Pasadena to Hollywood area. Occasionally take a Metro bus to Boyle Heights to visit in-laws.

What lines/routes do you take?

Gold Line, Red Line, Dash, various Metro buses, occasionally the Orange Line and Commuter Express 437.

How long does it typically take?

Depends on the route. Usually less than an hour for my morning commute.

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’m turning into Ed Begley Jr. in terms of avoiding owning or driving a car.

At first it was a cost saving measure, but when I combined bicycling and transit, much of L.A. became completely available without needing a car.

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Why You Don't Ride: Cathy Cole, Van Nuys

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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: Cathy Cole
Occupation: Census field rep
Location: Van Nuys

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

I need to drive to call on the people that I survey for my job 10 days each month. I also drive to do grocery shopping, etc.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

From West Van Nuys all over the San Fernando Valley.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

1

How long does your commute typically take?

10 to 30 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?

$50 – $100

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

I ride the bus and subways sometimes.

Why do you drive?

I need a car for my job. The buses don’t run often enough to get where I need to be.

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Why You Ride: Jesse Tovar, San Gabriel 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: Jesse Tovar
Occupation: Student and traveler
Location: San Gabriel Valley

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

Four days a week during a semester at the Los Angeles Community College District schools. I have to get to school from South Arcadia, so Metro is the way to go.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

My house in Mayflower Village (Monrovia, Arcadia, Irwindale, Duarte, and Temple City wrapped into one) to Los Angeles City College.

What lines/routes do you take?

Monday/Wednesday: 78 to Red Line or 704 at Union Station. It’s a short walk from Santa Monica/Vermont to the school’s main entrance.
Tuesday/Thursday: 270 or Foothill Transit 494 (if I have extra money and/or if it comes first) to El Monte Station where I catch the Silver Line or Foothill Transit 481 (if I caught the 494) or Silver Streak (if it’s ready to leave before Metro Silver Line) to Red Line at 1st/Hill to Santa Monica/Vemont.

During the semester, I mix it up by riding numerous Metro Local, Rapid, and Express Lines like the 30′s, 40′s, 439, 450 to name a few. Seriously, I think I’ve ridden every single Metro Bus and Rail Line!

How long does it typically take?

Monday/Wednesday: Close to an hour and a half if I got on Red Line. Over an hour and a half taking the 704.
Tuesday/Thursday: If I get the 5:51am 270 down to El Monte Station, I’ll be there by 7am the latest. Same result if I take the 10 instead at 1st/Hill to Melrose/Vermont, and it’s also a short walk from L.A.C.C.

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?

Less than $50

Why do you take transit?

Save money since I like to eat at expensive places when I’m in L.A. and shop at low-budget places, saving me more money. Also to save the environment, that sounds heavenly! Long after I have my license, I’ll still ride Metro and Foothill any day because I don’t have to worry about parking as that slows down everyone’s day.

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Why You Don't Ride: J, Long Beach

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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: J
Occupation: Engineer
Location: Long Beach

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

Everyday, for work and pleasure.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Long Beach to Alhambra for work.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

1

How long does your commute typically take?

30 minutes in the morning, 1 hour in the evenings.

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?

Bicycle, use transit when feasible.

Why do you drive?

Transit takes at least 2 hours to get to work – not worth the extra time (service just isn’t convenient when I need to be at work at around 6:30am).

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Why You Ride:Mike, Torrance

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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: Mike
Occupation: Coordinator
Location: Torrance

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

I take transit 5 days/week to and from work.  And 1 day on the weekend for leisure/fun.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Work: Torrance to Carson
Weekend: Artesia Transit Center to anywhere in L.A. County

What lines/routes do you take?

Option 1: MAX 3 to Metro 344 to Metro 130
Option 2: MAX 3 to Torrance 6
Option 3: Torrance 5 to Torrance 6
Option 4: Torrance 6
Weekend: Silver Line to Subway/Rail/Bus/Orange Line

How long does it typically take?

Trips to and from work take about 1 hour each way.  Driving usually takes 30 minutes each way, but rather take transit instead.  Weekend trips can take up to 2.5 hours each way, but enjoy the ride and consider it a day trip.

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?

$100 – $300

Why do you take transit?

Reduce stress from having to deal with drivers on the road rushing to get to and from work.  I can relax on the bus and catch up on some reading or pay some bills.

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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.

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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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