Buses Versus Light Rail

* Re “Bus Activists Vow to Block Pasadena Light Rail Project,” March 10: Talk about a case of shortsighted views on transportation for the region. Constance Rice’s comment, “If this means putting off rail for 25 years, so be it,” is the most irresponsible thing to say. Why can’t people be transported on light rail? The very communities that need transportation will be served by the Pasadena project. So I guess we should spend more money on buses that pollute the air and have short engine life spans due to the alternative fuel they use.

Did the critics ever think that with projects like the Pasadena light rail more folks would use public transportation? Have they driven on the Pasadena Freeway southbound from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. when it rains? Ask the residents of Alhambra how they feel about all that traffic on southbound Fremont Avenue. This is not a bus rider problem. This is a regional transportation issue. Maybe critics should consider all before considering a few.

BRUNO LOPEZ

Pasadena

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Re “MTA in Denial,” editorial, March 10: It’s because MTA board members don’t ride buses to work or to anywhere that they continue with their “simple logic” methods of forcing the subway on bus riders. For persons with no transportation options other than public, the subway will never be enough. The bus network is excellent. It covers Los Angeles. To cancel or shorten lines is inane. But there aren’t enough buses. Too many are overcrowded. And not only younger passengers are standing. At this point, seniors and the disabled are too.

How apropos that the federal special master’s surname is [Donald] Bliss. Those 532 buses he mandated will be. The MTA can’t be allowed to squirm out of this order.

DAMIANA CHAVEZ

Los Angeles