Here are our selections this week:

• Andrew Gorden,Universtiy Park – Why You Ride
  “I definitely feel the difference in my wallet! It was amazing to check the “less than $50″ button on how much I spend on transit.”
• Laura, Hawthorne – Why You Ride
  “Save money, no car, to do my homework for graduate school.”
• Taryn, Glendale – Why You Don’t Ride
  “I’ve tried to figure it out on my own through the website but from what I can see it’s way too confusing for beginners and would take double the time to use public transit than to drive! I don’t think there’s even a line for me to get home to Glendale past 6 pm!”

Read the surveys, after the jump.

Name: Andrew Gorden
Occupation: USC Student
Location: University Park

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

Every Thursday, at the very least; more if I have errands to do. I didn’t bring my car so any trip more than about 2 miles round trip must be made by mass transit. Luckily Metro serves the USC area very well.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

On Thursday nights I travel from where I live in North University Park to Hollywood to go out clubbing; and sometimes various other places in West Adams and Downtown for various other errands.

What lines/routes do you take?

Metro Local 200 from Hoover/Adams up to MacArthur Park and then the Red Line. Also, Lines217 which turns into the 2 where I then make a transfer to the 14/37 in Downtown. I’ve also used the Gold Line and Blue Line for various other things, and very excited for the opening of the Expo Line!

How long does it typically take?

To get from North University Park to Hollywood takes about 30 or so minutes, which is great on what could easily be an hour with traffic and finding (expensive) parking. But, getting back should be much more efficient if line 217 wasn’t always 10-20 minutes late on its Owl schedule. I get downtown and have to wait about an hour, alone in the dark around 3am, waiting for line 14/37. So, getting home takes about 2 hours; a serious pain.

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 definitely feel the difference in my wallet! It was amazing to check the “less than $50” button on how much I spend on transit. Coming from the suburbs, saying I haven’t been in a car in over a week is really a milestone. It’s definitely also a great stress relief knowing I can easily pick up the bus right outside my apartment, the club, downtown, wherever and not have to worry about traffic and directions. Plus, helping the environment and the traffic condition is always in the back of my mind, as well.

Other Transportation:

Do you use any other forms of alternative transportation?

Other than walking, Metro is all I use.

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

I am! For the first time in my life. I know that as a college student, many of us are, but I hope to carry my car-free status with me out of college as well.

Your Perspective:

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

For my own personal experience, of course fixing the chronically late Owl Service of line 2/217, but for a broader picture, here are some things I’d like: the ability to add cash to the TAP card, not only passes, like a debit card sort of thing; better service to and from the San Fernando Valley from the Westside; expedited work on the Purple Line westward; better connections with Orange County; real-time arrival would be awesome as well, like such that you could check it through an iPhone App or Android App.

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

Lesser focus on the freeways; I feel that the work on the 405 and the proposed 710 extension are worthless projects; both people and goods need to have better access to rail/bus transit to get around since both have much greater efficiency. And like I’ve said before, get the Purple Line westside extension to be Metro’s greatest focus; that project could easily become Metro’s crown jewel in her Metro Rail network.

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

It’s gotten better. Just since my first subway ride (of which was on the Red Line only 5 years ago), the Orange Line and Gold Line Eastside Extension have both opened, the Expo Line and (new) Orange Line extension have been started on, and various other projects have been in the works.

How would you encourage Angelenos to use transit?

Just build it and they will come. The biggest argument I hear from my friends is how mass transit is about safety and noise. Do people just not realize how noisy, DANGEROUS, and not to mention, expensive, cars are?

***

Name: Laura
Occupation: Higher Ed staff
Location: Hawthorne

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

Monday through Saturday, to get to and from work and shopping.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Hawthorne to La Mirada on weekdays. Manhattan Beach to Hawthorne on Saturday.

What lines/routes do you take?

Metro Line 125 and Norwalk 5 most of the time.

How long does it typically take?

Monday through Friday 1.5 to 2 hours.

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?

Save money, no car, to do my homework for graduate school.

Other Transportation:

Do you use any other forms of alternative transportation?

Rideshare on Sundays.

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

I am car free: don’t like to drive, don’t want to spend the money, and don’t want to waste the time.

Your Perspective:

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

More frequent trips, especially on the Norwalk 5: once every 45 minutes is insufficient.

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

Better coordination among Metro and the various municipal systems, Green Line down to South Bay!

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

It’s gotten better. Cleaner and more timely buses.

How would you encourage Angelenos to use transit?

[No answer given.]

***

Name: Taryn
Occupation: Clerical
Location: Glendale

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

5 times a week and weekends.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Work, I only go out on the weekends maybe 2 times a day.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

1

How long does your commute typically take?

15-20 minutes max.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical driving experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I deal with it.

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

$300 – $500

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

No.

Why do you drive?

Fast and convenient.

Your Perspective:

Why can’t/don’t you take transit?

I’m from a small town and have never taken public transit. I’ve tried to figure it out on my own through the website but from what I can see it’s way too confusing for beginners and would take double the time to use public transit than to drive! I don’t think there’s even a line for me to get home to Glendale past 6 pm!

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

No, it’s a little too intimidating although I am very curious to try it out but I hear a lot of negative feedback.

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

Make the train more accessible to my area. Also, make the system a little easier to understand at first glance. Maybe a free pass for a day to jump start it?

How do you feel about buses?

I’d ride a bus, but only if it has a dedicated lane.

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 rail, more (direct) stops!!!