Opinion: Why making it harder to drive in Los Angeles won’t boost public transit

To the editor: In almost every article regarding mass transit benefits, there is the notion that transit options would reduce traffic congestion. Even Measure M was touted as a means for reducing traffic. The implication is that you should take mass transit so the other guy can have a shorter commute. (“How do you ease traffic in Los Angeles? Make it harder to park,” Opinion, Dec. 15)

Mass transit should be designed and marketed as a superior alternative to driving your car. Riding it should afford convenience, comfort and a pleasant experience, but the reality is far from that.

I commuted from Orange to El Segundo using Metro’s Green Line for years. I still had to drive to the station in Norwalk, where searching for a parking space was a time-consuming task. The trains were crowded and noisy. I witnessed fights and was subjected to loud music and phone conversations.

Why should I have to put up with these hassles so drivers can have less congestion while riding in the comfort of their cars? Limiting parking seems more like a stick than the proverbial carrot.

Joseph Soter, Orange

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To the editor: What might help in our sprawling region is more transit parking to encourage bus and rail use.

Many do not live within walking distance of a stop or are not willing or able to utilize public transit at night unless they have a direct connection home after working hours. It is especially difficult to access the North Hollywood Metro station in the middle of the day, as the parking lots are full or have only a few open spaces.

Before we restrict parking, public transit must be vastly improved with more lines and sufficient parking opportunities for those who cannot otherwise connect with the trains.

Susan Waelder, North Hollywood

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