LAist: Gas at All Time High; Metro Looking to Cut Service

jericho1ne

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 22:57:12 -0800

On the positive, more lighthearted side, this means more room for cyclists on the super-awesomely paved Orange Line. I can already visualize the script for a futuristic Mad Max remake where cyclists run this stank ass city and the (failed) Orange Line is one of their many stomping grounds! I know where Delara is coming from. It sucks when the bus doesn't come at 11pm, and when/if it does arrive, the bike rack is full, and then it happens again 15 minutes later, and then you just say fuck it and ride all the way home. And you end up having a ball knowing you were self-reliant. Bike == Freedom, especially in a city that's failing to provide basic services like efficient transport. Whenever I ride an MTA bus I feel like like I am donating a buck twenty-five. I have rarely been passed by a Rapid bus (Wilshire or Vermont) because their slow asses don't average more than 14mph. And that's slower than a mtn bike. And less fun.

jrb

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:39:12 -0800

I hope MTA is ready for standing the crowds they'll get when gas hit $4 a gallon.

delara

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:00:27 -0800

Yes, because cutting back on buses is the answer to the rising prices in fuel question. I tell you, some days I am so for Metro, and the next they just piss me off. Perhaps the reason why ridership is down on some of their lines is because of chronic unreliability and once an hour problem. I tried to take the bus to work yesterday. Checked the schedule. Walked to the stop with plenty of time to spare. There was a young couple waiting. Half hour later, no bus. And this was a Rapid, one that is supposed to run every 12 minutes. I had to go home and get my car so I would not be late for work. Although no lines were cut, it's still disappointing that they thought would even occur.

iamnotdrtran

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 08:37:00 -0800

Regarding the closure of 56 business along Canoga Ave. I don't think many of them will complain. There's plenty of empty retail spaces elsewhere in the valley.