A Bus Traveler’s MTA Board Seat

The diminutive graduate student may seem an unlikely choice as one of Mayor James K. Hahn’s three July appointments to L.A.’s Metropolitan Transit Authority board. But Allison Yoh, 30, knows a thing or two about public transit. A transportation scholar at UCLA’s School of Public Policy and Social Research, the former MTA intern is a committed bus rider who doesn’t own a car. Yoh holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from UC Berkeley and lists martial arts among her interests--skills that could come in handy at the 13-member board’s famously fractious meetings. The newly minted civic player spoke with us about the challenges ahead.

How did you land the job?

I got an e-mail about it at school. I sent my resume in and was called to meet with the deputy mayor. I think they chose me because I’m the average bus rider, and I provide that balance to the political figures who don’t ride the bus.

How does it feel to be responsible for an annual budget of $2.5 billion and 8,000 employees?

It’s a monumental opportunity. But I’m a little overwhelmed. The MTA is huge. In the Bay Area, transportation is divided among local operators. In L.A., we have a huge structure, including road and highway improvements, the Freeway Service Patrol and Call Box. And there isn’t a lot of coordination.

If you were the sole MTA board member, what actions would you take?

I’d work for more community outreach, joint programs between the MTA and schools. I’d integrate highway and transit planning. In general, L.A. is pro-transit and pro-automobile with some pedestrian and bicycle planning. We have two separate systems. So,the benefits kind of work against each other.

As a veteran MTA rider, what are some of your worst and best bus experiences?

The worst was getting on the wrong bus and getting out in front of the Greyhound Bus station downtown. It was almost dark. [After] 45 minutes, the bus came and it was packed. We were all thrown around. I finally got off and walked [for a while].

I’ve been on buses when people pulled out knives. In Mid-Wilshire, a man pulled a steak knife at a guy in front of me. Another time, a man in a wheelchair was on the lift and the lift jammed. Everyone had to get off. [He] said it happened a lot. The best part is the feeling of community. Mostly the kids play together and people are helpful to one another.

How long was the ride from your Santa Monica apartment to the MTA interview downtown? About an hour and a half. It was rush hour. Bus riding is easy if you can preplan. It’s difficult if it’s spur of the moment.