Urban Sprawl Requires Planning for Cars

Much has been said about the need for a coherent public transportation policy for the Greater Los Angeles area. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s own Web site testifies to the problems inherent in any public transportation system that attempts to serve the needs of L.A.’s urban sprawl.

Using the MTA trip planner, I discovered that to take public transportation from my home in Azusa to my work in Cerritos and back would cost $3.15, require three transfers and take nearly three hours each way. While spiraling gas prices have pushed the fuel cost of my daily commute to nearly $4, this is still cheaper than the bus. My drive, while often nerve-racking, thanks to thoughtless drivers, takes only one-third as long, even in the worst traffic.

Until transportation policy takes into account the huge number of people who live more than five miles from their place of employment, we must also plan for those who every day get in their cars and drive to work.

David Riggins

Azusa