MetroRiderLA

Check out this thread over at mograph.net, a forum for motion graphics artists that I regular.  LA is home to many motion graphics animators and designers, so I received many opinions on the issue of LA public transit from these artists.  Here’s a sampling of some of the responses:

“I think if the metro system was as accessible as the ones in NY, Chicago, Paris, London, etc…then it would be used…but because there are approximately 7 stations…(and that might be a stretch) it will not be successful.”

“everything’s just way too spread out in this city. besides, there are too many people with expensive cars - who’s gonna give up their m6 to sit next to a smelly stranger?”

“I like the Redline, I use it anytime I have to go downtown. Perfect for Jury Duty or sporting events at Staples Center. I wish there was a way to get to Dodger Stadium though.”

Definately some varied opinions, check it out when you have some time.

This blog is about the “public transit lifestyle.” So where better to talk about such a thing than in Los Angeles?

Huh? Isn’t that utterly wrong? Isn’t L.A. where the car is king? Where you roll unemcumbered at 65 mph down endless empty freeways in your 1960’s convertible, your hair blowing in breeze, as you ride into the sunset with The Beach Boys playing on your AM radio? No. It isn’t. You’ve been watching too many Frankie and Annette movies, my friend.

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According to the Daily News, the Orange Line is reaching capacity due to it’s surging popularity as of late. The article states that ridership in May was 22,000 per day, surpassing the expected 5,000 to 7,000 per day initially forecasted by MTA, and exceeding the ridership of the nearly three year old Gold Line light rail. Rising gas prices are cited as a major reason for the stunning increase in ridership. Read the entire article here.

Having ridden the Orange Line for the first time last weekend (I took it from North Hollywood to Warner Center and back), I am a bit curious as to how the MTA gets its ridership numbers for the “bus that acts like a train”.

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