Category Archives: Metro Lifestyle

Why You Don't Ride: Ciacci, Miracle Mile

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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

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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.

Continue reading →

Destination Discounts Weekly Picks

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Sure, riding Metro saves you from the stress of traffic, reduces your environmental impact and lowers your monthly transportation costs – but did you know it also entitles you to a bunch of great deals around L.A.? That’s what Destination Discounts is all about – and The Source is here to make sure you don’t miss out.  Every week we’ll highlight our favorite deals from Metro’s local partners – destinations, sporting events, concerts, museums, theme parks, shops and more – and provide all the info you need to take advantage of these offers.

Arts/Entertainment

Phantom of the OperaSave $10 on select tickets to The Phantom of the Opera at Pantages Theatre
After nearly 18 years of travelling, the “Music Box Company” National Tour of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is coming to a close, and the producers have selected Los Angeles and the Pantages Theatre as the landmark final engagement.
Dates: September 26 – October 15
Discount: $10 off qualifying $90 and $70 tickets for select performances.
Restrictions: Offer limited to Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday Evening Performances between Sunday, September 26 – Friday, October 15, 2010 at the Pantages Theatre. This special offer allows recipient to receive $10 off qualifying $90 and $70 tickets. This offer is NOT valid for seating in Orchestra Rows A-Z 100/200/300s. Subject to availability. Not valid on previously-purchase tickets. Customary Ticketmaster convenience charges apply to all online and phone orders. This limited-time offer may be discontinued at anytime without warning.
How to get it: Show your valid Metro pass, Metro Rail ticket or Destination Discounts card at the Pantages Theatre Box Office. Or, purchase tickets from BroadwayLA.org, or by calling 1.800.982.ARTS, use promotional code TRAIN when ordering.
Where: Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd.
Nearby Rail: Red Line Hollywood/Vine Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Hollywood/Vine (210, 212/312, 222, 217, 780)

Family Friendly

Feast of L.A.$1 off Admission at Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro
Inspired by New York City’s oldest street festival, the event features food from LA’s greatest Italian restaurants.
Dates: September 24-26
Discount: $1 off admission
Restrictions: None.
How to get it: Show your valid Metro pass, Metro Rail ticket or TAP card.
Where: 1651 N. Highland Ave.
Nearby Rail: Red Line Hollywood/Highland Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Hollywood/Highland (212/312, 222, 217, 780, 156/656)

2010 Polish Festival$2 off Admission at the 2010 Polish Festival LA
This year’s festival celebrates Fredric Chopin, Poland’s most famous pianist, with “Year of the Chopin” and special activities. With two days of folk dancing, games, raffles, food and vendors, you’ll find fun for the entire family.
Dates: September 25-26
Discount: $2 off adult admission
Restrictions: None.
How to get it: Show your valid Metro pass, Metro Rail ticket or TAP card at the front gate.
Where: 3424 W. Adams Blvd.
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Adams/Arlington (14/37, 209)

Noah's Ark at SkirballSave $2 at Noah’s Ark at Skirball
Visit Noah’s Ark at the Skirball™, the permanent, award-winning children’s and family destination that is the talk of the town! Play, climb, build, explore, make believe, and make friends.
Dates: Ongoing
Discount: $2 off admission
Restrictions: None.
How to get it: Show your valid Metro pass, Metro rail ticket or TAP card at the box office.
Where: 2701 N Sepulveda Boulevard
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Sepulveda/Skirball Center (761, 233)

Go Metro Weekends, Sept. 17-19

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Have an event you’d like us to include? Shoot us an email at thesource@metro.net. Time and space constraints limit us from listing every accessible event in this city, but this curated list represents what we think is cool and easy to get to.

To plan your trip and to check all other transit options, please consult Google Transit or the Metro Trip Planner.


Blue = Friday, Red = Saturday, Green = Sunday. View Go Metro Weekends, September 17-19 in a larger map

Friday, September 17

2010 L.A. County Fair
This HUGE annual fair includes entertainment, concerts, attractions and competitions.
Website: http://www.lacountyfair.com/2010/
When: September 17, 12pm-12am; September 18, 10am-12am; September 19, 10am-10pm
Price: $17
Where:  Pomona Fairplex, 1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Nearby Rail: On Saturday and Sunday Metrolink is adding a L.A. County Fair stop on the San Bernardino Line. Click here for schedule.

Mindshare LA
Mindshare LA is a unique monthly event which draws a brilliant crowd seeking connections, experiences and exposure to new ideas.
Website: http://www.mindshare.la/
When: 7pm
Price: $30
Where: Exchange LA, 618 S. Spring St.
Nearby Metro Rail: Red/Purple Line Pershing Square Station
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Spring/6th (16/316, 18, 33, 38, 40, 53, 83, 92) Spring/7th (20, 33, 55/202/355, 60, 733)

Free Friday Night Jazz at LACMA
Featuring Bob Mintzer Canyon Cove Trio.
Website: http://www.lacma.org/programs/fridaynightjazz.aspx
When: 6pm
Price: FREE
Where: LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Boulevard
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Wilshire/Fairfax (20, 217, 720, 780, 920)

Seven-Ten Swap
A free community swap and pot luck in Long Beach.
Website: http://www.housepartyswapnshop.com/theseventenswap.htm
When: 7:10pm
Price: FREE
Where: Catalyst Community Space, 430 E. 1st Street
Nearby Metro Rail: Blue Line 1st Street Station

Mr. Bill Murray : A tribute to the legend
Group art show tribute to Bill Murray.
Website: http://www.therandr.org/
When: 7pm
Price: FREE
Where: R&R Gallery, 929 E. 2nd St.
Nearby Metro Rail: Gold Line Little Tokyo/Arts District Station

The rest of the weekend’s events, after the jump. Continue reading →

Why You Ride: Sabrina, Cerritos

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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 →

Destination Discounts Last Minute Pick: Free reusable tote-bag at Burbank Green Alliance Eco Film Series

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Here’s a last minute deal for an eco-event tonight.

The Burbank Green Alliance (BGA) is screening “Crude: the Real Price of Oil” tonight at 7pm along with a discussion on Big Oil after the film.

Metro riders who attend will receive a free reusable BGA tote-bag.

Crude

Dates: Tonight, September 15, 7pm
Discount: Free reusable BGA tote-bag.
Restrictions:  None.
How to get it: Show your valid Metro pass, Metro Rail ticket or TAP card.
Where: Fletcher Jones Auditorium, Woodbury University, 7500 N. Glenoaks Blvd.
Nearby Metro Bus Stops: Glenoaks/Cohasset (292)

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

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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: T.L.
Occupation: Service industry
Location: Downtown L.A.

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

To work 5 days a week. Also to night life, plays, MOCA and sporting events.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Downtown to Westside.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

1

How long does your commute typically take?

An hour, maybe an hour and a half.

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?

More than $500

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

Red Line.

Why do you drive?

Convenience, since I travel long distances. It would be great if I could reach UCLA from Downtown on transit.

Continue reading →

Why You Ride: Gordon W, Monrovia

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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: Gordon W.
Occupation: CIO
Location: Monrovia

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

Usually 5 days a week to go back and forth to work.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Monrovia to Woodland Hills.

What lines/routes do you take?

I park at the Sierra Madre Villa Gold Line Station and take the train to Memorial Park. I then get Commuter Express line 549 to Ventura and Woodley, then I take either the 750 or the 150 to De Soto.

How long does it typically take?

It usually takes 1.75 hours in the morning, and 2 hours in the afternoon

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?

$100 – $300

Why do you take transit?

After driving from Monrovia to Woodland Hills for 20 years, I finally got tired of the traffic on the 210 Freeway in the afternoon. Using public transportation takes longer driving, but the reduction in stress is well worth it.

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Why You Don't Ride: RFQ, Downey

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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: RFQ
Occupation: Not employed
Location: Downey

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

Three to five times a week to take sibling to doctor appointments and mother to grocery store.  Two or three times a month to Fullerton Amtrak Station to watch trains.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Home to USC University Hospital.   Less than a mile to grocery store. Downey to Fullerton Amtrak Station.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

1

How long does your commute typically take?

No commute.   12 miles to USC Hospital.

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?

$100 – $300

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

Bus.

Why do you drive?

Time saving. Convenient.  There are three things that I think are finite:  Time, Money and Petroleum.  The time saved and the ease of use makes it inevitable. If you go grocery shopping with someone over 80 years old once a week, do you really think you can walk or take a bus?

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Why You Ride: "Lazyoldtabby", San Gabriel Valley

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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: “Lazyoldtabby”
Occupation: Web site developer
Location: San Gabriel Valley

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

Five days a week to work.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Covina or Industry Metrolink station to Mariposa/Nash Green Line station in El Segundo.

What lines/routes do you take?

Metrolink San Bernardino or Riverside line, Red/Purple line, 405X, and the Green Line. Occasionally I take the Purple Line and the 720/920 to Beverly Hills.

How long does it typically take?

1 hour 2o minutes to 1 hour 40 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?

$100 – $300

Why do you take transit?

Transit takes about the same time as freeway during peak hours, but cost less.

Continue reading →