‘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: Nancy M.
Occupation: Web programmer
Location: Sherman Oaks

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

I drive every day to work at the Disney Lot. I also typically visit friends and surf on the Westside on the weekends.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Home to work, and also to swim practice, which is only a mile from where I live. I try to keep most of my business local or buy stuff via the Internet to keep my commute small. I bike when my trips are less than a mile.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

1

How long does your commute typically take?

30 minutes for 10 miles, each way.

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?

$50 – $100

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

I’ve tried taking the 549 Commuter Express, but it stops running super early in the morning. I’ve also attempted to take the Rapid 750 and switch to the 96, but if I miss the 96, it doesn’t come by again for another hour.

Why do you drive?

Unfortunately, it’s still far more convenient than taking the bus.

Your Perspective:

Why can’t/don’t you take transit?

The buses don’t run frequently enough. I would love if the Red Line went further, and came closer to where I live in Sherman Oaks – Sepulveda and Ventura.

Have you tried to use transit before? What was your experience?

Buses are frequently late – which wouldn’t be a big deal except there are few chances to actually take the bus since they stop running frequently after rush hour, and most only come by once an hour. Honestly, I wouldn’t care about them being late if the next one was coming in 10 or 15 minutes.

What could local transit agencies do to encourage you to take transit more often?

Pretty much increase bus frequency. That would be the biggest issue. More routes would be nice, like a Rapid that goes from the West Valley to the Media Center, or somehow connects from the Media Center and Universal Station.

How do you feel about buses?

I’d ride a bus if there was a route that served my needs.

How do you feel about rail?

I’d ride rail if it there was a route that served my needs.

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

More frequent buses, turn Orange Line into light rail, add dedicated bus lanes on the freeway. Those seem like the cheaper options – maybe?