L.A. Subways

As a 20-year resident of L.A., I temporarily let go of my love affair with my car and took the Metro Rail for the first time for jury duty. I have ridden on the hustle-bustle subway systems in New York and Seoul, but here in L.A. I observed something unique during rush-hour traffic. There was no explosion of people trying to force themselves out when the sliding door opened. There was a lack of the pushing and shoving prowess that I was familiar with in Seoul. In fact, when the doors opened, I was in fear of not getting out in time because people exiting were so lax.

I was puzzled. Was this part of the laid-back mentality of L.A, or some semblance of common courtesy, or the lack of mass transport experience? Whatever the reason, I know now that L.A. has its own unique subway culture.

STEVEN PARK

Temple City