‘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.

Other Transportation:

Do you use any other forms of alternative transportation?

Walking.

Are you car-free? If so, why? If not, why not?

I’m happy to say that I am car-free as of 2008. I choose to be without a car, even under the pressure from parents and friends, who often tell me to get a car and drive again. I love L.A.’s growing public transit system, and as a car-free Angeleno, I’m happy to experience the growth and improvement as time goes by.

Your Perspective:

If you could make one change to improve your transit experience, what would it be?

Real time arrival information on buses and trains, that would be something that could tremendously improve my transit experience. When delays occur, which they frequently do, I would love to know how much longer I have to wait.

Given limited funds, how would you address L.A.’s transportation issues?

More rail is a big help, but looking at L.A.’s situation where bus ridership is higher than rail ridership, and cheaper to bring, more bus service and lanes would be a bigger benefit for Los Angeles.

Do you think L.A. transit is better or worse since you started riding? What’s changed?

Transit in L.A. has done both, improved and worsened in some areas. New rail stations and new bus services that get me to places I’ve never touched is a plus, but recent service cuts and route eliminations has me thinking worse.

How would you encourage Angelenos to use transit?

As of now, it’s very difficult to encourage the great majority of Angelenos to use transit. But, as the system greatly improves and expands for the future, I think Angelenos will become more attracted to transit, enough to even ditch their cars.  With great projects like the High Speed Rail and 30/10 gaining momentum every day, it’s only a matter of time before more people use transit.