PICO-UNION : Meeting Set on Plan to Hike Bus Fares

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has scheduled a community meeting for Wednesday to provide information on proposed changes to bus fares and service. The meeting is in advance of a formal public hearing on the issue later this month.

The 6 p.m. meeting at Angelica Lutheran Church, 1345 Burlington Ave., is an opportunity for residents to learn about and comment on the possible combination of service cuts and fare increases that will be considered by the MTA board of directors.

Among the proposed changes under consideration are an increase in the basic bus fare of $1.10 to $1.50, separate peak and off-peak fares, an increase in the cost of monthly bus passes and reductions in weekend and holiday service.

Jaime Flores of the social services agency El Rescate, which helped organize a youth group last year called United to Improve Transportation in Pico-Union, said many Pico-Union residents rely on public transportation and decried proposals on fare increases and service cuts.

“If it happens, it’s going to be difficult for working people. It means they would pay more to get to work and waste more time waiting for a bus,” he said.

The board has scheduled a public hearing on the issue for 10 a.m. April 23 in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, Hall of Administration, 500 W. Temple St.

Wednesday’s meeting is designed to provide information about the proposed changes. Formal public comment will be recorded only at the April 23 hearing or through written messages sent to the Office of the MTA Secretary, Los Angeles County MTA, P.O. Box 194, Los Angeles, 90053. Letters should be marked to the attention of Fare/Service Adjustments.