‘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: ES
Occupation: Analyst
Location: Koreatown
Your Transit Routine:
How often do you take transit and for what purpose?
To and from work, everyday.
Where are you typically traveling from and going to?
From Koreatown to Santa Monica all the way to Ocean Ave.
What lines/routes do you take?
920/720. [Editors note: the 920 is no longer in service as of 12/12/10.]
How long does it typically take?
40-50 minutes in the morning; 50-60 minutes 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?
Less than $50
Why do you take transit?
Save money, avoid stress in finding a parking spot when driving, go green.
Other Transportation:
Do you use any other forms of alternative transportation?
Bicycle, car share.
Are you car-free? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes. I try to avoid the stress in finding parking spots and driving in a large city like Los Angeles.
Your Perspective:
If you could make one change to improve your transit experience, what would it be?
For the 920 bus, request the driver to announce the next stop BEFORE moving on. People still get confused between 920 and 720 especially when the get on from Westwood heading to Santa Monica. [Editors note: the 920 is no longer in service as of 12/12/10.]
Given limited funds, how would you address L.A.’s transportation issues?
Improve shock absorbers of old buses. Wilshire Blvd. badly needs resurfacing.
Do you think L.A. transit is better or worse since you started riding? What’s changed?
It’s pretty much the same.
How would you encourage Angelenos to use transit?
Retain drivers that are courteous and friendly (yet firm in enforcing riding rules) and remove drivers that are rude. Try to follow schedules as strictly as possible. Only then I can encourage Angelenos that riding the bus offers a pleasant experience and gets you to your destination on time.
Categories: Feedback, Metro Lifestyle, Surveys, Why You Ride
I have lived in Maryland, DC and Virginia and ridden buses my whole life. I find that about 50% of the bus drivers in LA are rude and unhelpful. Losing the 920 is a disaster. I live near Fairfax and Wilshire and frequently go to Santa Monica. No matter what time of day, even late at night, I rarely get a seat. Riding buses in LA Is not a pleasant experience and I’ve been here about 10 years now.