‘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: PM
Occupation: Retired
Location: South Bay

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

Typically, four days a week. Exercise, meeting, dental appointments and sight seeing (sometimes).

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Torrance-Redondo Beach
Torrance-Long Beach
Torrance-UCLA

What lines/routes do you take?

Silver Line, 2/302, Green Line, Blue line, LBT46, 210, 130, 344, T3, BCT102

How long does it typically take?

Anywhere from 1 hour to 2.5 hours, depending on connections.

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?

It’s cheaper than driving and I have the time.

Other Transportation:

Do you use any other forms of alternative transportation?

No.

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

No, I shop, do laundry and attend a weekly meeting. I have to move my car on street sweeping days.

Your Perspective:

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

Right now TAP drives me crazy but, I see what you want to do. Get ALL the agencies to use it NOW, AND put EZ PASS on TAP!

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

A county wide fare system! Then share the revenue on a per trip basis.

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

I grew up riding transit in Oakland. This is a better system once you understand it. Until you do, it’s like planning D-Day.

How would you encourage Angelenos to use transit?

Subsidize transit with a parking rate increase, have no drive zones in the Central Business  District (Offer FREE shuttles instead.). Heavier driving fines/penalties.