Local News in Brief : 2 RTD Buses Stolen, Found

Two RTD buses were stolen from separate locations in South Los Angeles, and both were later found abandoned with their fare boxes pried open, authorities said Monday.

Both buses were stolen while the drivers were taking scheduled breaks to eat, Rapid Transit District spokesman John Hyde said.

The amount of money taken remained uncertain, he said.

One bus, stolen Sunday afternoon, was discovered at 5:17 a.m. Monday at Manning Street and National Boulevard in West Los Angeles, Hyde said.

A second bus, taken from Western Avenue and Imperial Highway at 6:53 p.m. Sunday, was found less than an hour later about 1 1/2 miles away.

Both buses had been secured by the drivers when they took their breaks, Hyde said.

“It usually takes someone familiar with bus operation to open the doors,” he said.