Transit riders are ethnically diverse
Re “Just say ‘no’ to hikes,” Opinion, May 7
Anyone who rides Metrolink or the Metro Red, Blue, Gold or Green lines can enlighten Eric Mann of the Bus Riders Union that these services are not “mostly white.” Metrolink riders precisely track the ethnic makeup of the neighborhoods Metrolink serves. Sixty percent of Metrolink riders are non-Caucasian. Southern Californians are buying train tickets and passes in increasing numbers, with ridership doubling in the last decade.
Metrolink passengers are indeed subsidized, as are bus riders, airplane riders and drivers on public roads. Metrolink riders pay about the same fare per mile and receive about the same subsidy per mile as bus riders, but Metrolink riders travel an average of more than 60 miles on each round trip they make, many times longer than the average bus trip. And rather than a flat fare, Metrolink’s station-to-station fare structure is based on the average equivalent driving distance. Southern California voters have consistently supported development and operation of a comprehensive, balanced system of public transit alternatives. All ethnicities have repeatedly demonstrated support for providing these transit choices.
Metrolink riders have chosen to leave their cars at home and travel long distances between their home and work by clean, fast, reliable trains.
DAVID SOLOW
Chief executive
Metrolink
Southern California
Regional Rail Authority
Los Angeles
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