epski
August 4th, 2003, 05:49 PM
Only a Traffic 'Expert' Could Like Congestion
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-le-hall4aug04,1,1601954.story
(In response to a study that claimed that traffic jams were a sign of economic vitality)
I recently gave up both my cars and started taking public transportation. I was shocked to read that some people consider the subway to be a waste of money. I love it. I wish I had started taking the subway earlier. The only thing that disappoints me is how little of Los Angeles we have truly connected. I can get all over the L.A. area with my monthly MTA pass, thanks to buses, and it is super-handy not to have to worry about $20 parking on Sunset Boulevard or to waste time in traffic that I could spend reading on the bus.
But I'd rather be traveling by rail. The rail system is a great start, but we need to expand it, not criticize it. My biggest gripe is that there is no rail line heading toward Santa Monica, which is probably the most-needed branch. My second-biggest gripe would probably be that these buses and rail cars are still crowded. Sometimes you can't get a seat. Those gripes noted, it will be a while before I consider driving in L.A. again. I'm enjoying the lack of commuter stress too much.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-le-hall4aug04,1,1601954.story
(In response to a study that claimed that traffic jams were a sign of economic vitality)
I recently gave up both my cars and started taking public transportation. I was shocked to read that some people consider the subway to be a waste of money. I love it. I wish I had started taking the subway earlier. The only thing that disappoints me is how little of Los Angeles we have truly connected. I can get all over the L.A. area with my monthly MTA pass, thanks to buses, and it is super-handy not to have to worry about $20 parking on Sunset Boulevard or to waste time in traffic that I could spend reading on the bus.
But I'd rather be traveling by rail. The rail system is a great start, but we need to expand it, not criticize it. My biggest gripe is that there is no rail line heading toward Santa Monica, which is probably the most-needed branch. My second-biggest gripe would probably be that these buses and rail cars are still crowded. Sometimes you can't get a seat. Those gripes noted, it will be a while before I consider driving in L.A. again. I'm enjoying the lack of commuter stress too much.