L.A. Transit

* Is the transit glass half-empty, as The Times suggests (“MTA in Denial,” editorial, March 10), or half-full? Less than 20 years ago, it looked doubtful that by 1999 Los Angeles would have a nearly completed subway to Hollywood (and soon to North Hollywood), two very successful light-rail lines to Long Beach and along the Century Freeway and a very popular Metrolink commuter rail system. The transit picture in 1979 was very bleak indeed, and bus riders were much worse off.

Today, with a little extra effort, the Los Angeles area can complete the Blue Line to Pasadena, develop light-rail lines to East L.A., the Westside and through the San Fernando Valley and improve the bus system. How? By diverting funds from the almost universally loathed extension of the Long Beach Freeway through South Pasadena to rail and bus transit improvements. If this is done, by 2010 the L.A. area will have a transit system to be proud of.

VICTOR NYBERG

Vista