Neil Wade, 28, commutes to Pasadena City College from downtown Los Angeles. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
Heading downtown to participate in Cinco de Mayo celebrations, Max Steiman, right, 20 months, takes his first ride on the Gold Line with his father David of Eagle Rock. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
A Gold Line commuter works on a crossword puzzle as steady traffic flows on the highway toward Los Angeles. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
Attys. Ann Wu and Calvin R. House wait for the Gold Line train at Union Station. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
Commuters wait for the Gold Line train on Track 1 and 2 at Union Station. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
People are walking more and using alternative forms of transportation to save money, including the Gold Line. (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)
