‘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: Fernando R
Occupation: Accounting Technician
Location: Norwalk

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

I take it 7 days a week. I use it 5 days a week for work and I use it on weekends for pleasure.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

During the week I take Metro from Norwalk to Carson and on weekends I take it to Long Beach, Hollywood, West Hollywood, North Hollywood and now Santa Monica.

What lines/routes do you take?

During the week, I take the green line from Norwalk and transfer at the Avalon Station to take #53 to Carson.

Weekends, I take the Green Line to the Blue Line to the Red Line or #460 to the Red Line.  I also take #4 to Weho or Santa Monica from the Red Line depending where I’m going.

How long does it typically take?

To work about 45 mins.  On weekends an hour to two depending where I’m going.

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 because it’s cheaper than gas and because I don’t have to worry about drinking and driving on weekends.

Other Transportation:

Do you use any other forms of alternative transportation?

No.

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

Not completely because public transit is not as frequent in my area as in LA or Long Beach.  So I do need a car to run errands.

Your Perspective:

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

I don’t know if I would change anything, I’m pretty happy with it.

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

I think frequent service in rail and buses would help bring in more ridership and alleviate congestion at the same time.

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

I definitely think its better and more frequent in certain parts.

How would you encourage Angelenos to use transit?

I take my friends with me so they can experience public transit the way I do.  Some don’t know their way around but when they’re with me they can see they don’t have to worry about finding parking, parking fees or valet, and it’s good exercise too.