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Frustrated with a new (and slower) traffic pattern, one LAist reader earlier this week wrote us an e-mail: "Over the past week I’ve noticed a sharp increase in Eastbound traffic between Bundy and Overland during the morning rush hour, almost doubling the Santa Monica-Century City commute time," he noted. "Any idea as to why this might be? Have they reprogrammed the signals in the area? Perhaps the one at Sawtelle or Sepulveda?"
Then yesterday, Eric Richardson at blogdowntown Twittered, "Every year it feels like the weeks after the time falls back have far worse traffic than the weeks before. Why is that?"
The Department of Transportation's Automated Traffic Surveillance and Control (ATSAC) System expert engineer Sean Skehan might have an answer. "We have not made any timing changes on Olympic Blvd," he said, "but with the end of Daylight Saving time, people do adjust their schedules, and there is more light earlier in the mornings now (and less late afternoons.)"
Really? That much of a noticeable difference? It's that common?
"Actually, yes," said Skehan. "Each year, Spring and Fall, we have a bump in traffic patterns when the time changes. It also happens when school starts and ends each year."
So hopefully in a few weeks, traffic will get back to normal. Well, normal as normal can be in this city, that is.
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Yes, traffic does get worse until people in this town learn to adjust to the change; just like the first rain, just like a four way stop, just like a right hand turn on red, just like.......
Dont like sitting in traffic? This can be easily solved by taking public transit.
Stop being selfish people. I see mostly single people in their cars during rush hour. Its simply not necessary.
The minorities on the bus wont hurt you.
We're not *all* selfish. Some of us drive solo due to convenience and schedules, or should I say "lack of". By convenience I mean if it's market day, I'm not gonna carry 7 or 8 bags of groceries on the bus, or if I have other errands, etc, to run, than I can't do it with pub trans.
And their scheds don't always fit my scheds. I'm not going to wake up 30 to 60 mins earlier to take a bus.
I would totally take pub trans if it was more efficient for me. Believe me, not having to deal with the majority of retards on the road would be a VERY nice change.
And I had my Minority Shots so I'm protected...
Jus' kiddin!
I would gladly take the bus and do (or walk) when I can; unfortunately, my schedule and my job make this INCREDIBLY unrealistic to do every day. Don't know about you, but I don't have three hours in my day allocated for transportation. It's unfair of you to label single drivers in rush hour as selfish racists.
LAdaddy, where are these awesome busses that hover over the streets and are immune to traffic?
This is one of those things where you think, "It's just me who thinks this and it's one of those things I shouldn't say out loud." I swear as soon as it gets dark, people drive slower and the universe magically drops 10,000 more cars down on the city of LA. Then after a few weeks I chalk it up to holiday traffic instead of a mystical act.
I used to think it was due to the day laborers since their schedule is usually determined by the availablity of daylight.
I honestly believe there are people out their who are scared of driving in the dark but have no choice once the time changes. People who rush home from work normally and lock themselves in before dusk are now forced to commute after sunset... GASP! At least it will only get worse as the holiday shopping season approaches...
I remember being able to drive down the 110 and 405 at anytime other than 6pm and we used to drive FAST.. now I can't do that even at 3,4 pm. Where/Who the *#&@ are all these people??
I mean what are they doing during the day? We have a million lottery winners here? What the hell. Why is there traffic at 3pm??????