LA workers swap cars for subway (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By David Willis
BBC News, Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, the rising price of petrol is prompting people to travel to work by train rather than by car. According to figures from the city's subway system, the number of passengers increased by more than 14% in the first three months of 2008.
***
I am going to let you in on a little secret, but promise me please you will not breathe a word, otherwise I may never be able to show my face in certain parts of this town again.

This week I did something which - in nearly 10 years of living in Los Angeles - I have never, ever done before.

Cue the drum roll: I travelled to work on the subway.

I did it because the figures suggest it is the trend. And (hem hem) being the trend-setter that I am, that is the only excuse I need.
***
more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7413056.stm

[LibDemAlways]

1. Rail transportation in LA still borders on the pitiful and

is certainly inadequate, but people who need to get from the east end of the valley into downtown are definitely discovering the subway. Last week I had to get into Hollywood from the valley, and found that parking in the lot near Universal and taking the subway in was quick, economical and easy. The train was crowded.

I also noticed that no one checked tickets, which made no sense. That's one loophole that needs to be closed.

[kestrel91316]

2. They are going to start checking tickets, or maybe install turnstiles

like they have other places. It was in the news a couple of weeks ago......

Even folks in the west end of the Valley can take the subway. They just hop onto the Orange Line that goes down the dedicated busway. I have done it - it takes about an hour to get downtown from Woodland Hills, which isn't bad at all. The Red Line on Ventura is slower because it has so many stops and goes down a BUSY street with too many lights......