‘Law and Order,’ Meet ‘The Jetsons’

Officers from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have been turning heads at Union Station and other MTA facilities since 2003 as they whiz around on Segway Human Transporters. The fleet of 12 futuristic, self-balancing “human transport” machines are part of a pilot project by the MTA’s Transportation Demand Management Program to increase officer efficiency and rapid response. The Segway HTs, which operate on batteries that are rechargeable at a standard 110-volt outlet, run about $4,500 each and can zoom up to 12.5 mph with a range of 10 to 15 miles. Following an evaluation period the decision-makers at MTA will determine whether to increase its fleet. We asked some riders to give us their spin.

--MICHAEL T. JARVIS

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J.C. French

Officer in Charge of Security Contracts and Special Projects, MTA

Don’t you ever feel a little silly on this thing?

Never. I’m working and having fun at the same time. It’s a great invention. You cover a lot of territory.

Hardest aspect of scooter patrol?

On a sandy substance, you’re subject to fall.

What doesn’t work about scooter patrol?

You can’t go up an escalator

with them.

Most memorable motorized experience?

Dealing with people at Union Station. They’re fascinated with it.

Coolest thing about being motorized?

They can be stealthy. You can come up on anything real quick.

Their supporters boast that “human transporters” will change the world. True?

Actually, I do think it’s true. Eventually, the wheels are going to disappear. You’ll have, like, a hovercraft.

J.C., you are dreaming.

You have to dream big.

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Ty Henderson

Transit Security Sergeant for MTA

Do you ever feel silly on this thing?

Only when I get comments from people who think I’m being lazy. You’re using it to get to more places.

Is science fiction coming true here?

Yes. This is the closest thing to a hoverboard. It’s the future.

Most memorable motorized

experience?

When we were opening the Gold Line, I was setting up cones. A roll of yellow tape got caught in the wheel. I went flying. There were like 200 people watching.

Coolest thing about being motorized?

We patrol the entire garage, all levels, in a matter of minutes. We’re up high, and we can see everything.

Will motorized patrol produce out-of-shape cops?

Man, if you’re using this to replace being in shape, you have other issues.

Scooter patrol: “Minority Report” or “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure”?

“Pee-wee’s Big Adventure.” I see a lot of amused people.

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Rich Faulk

Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff

Is science fiction coming true here?

Remember that movie “Rocketman,” where the guy had the jet pack and that helmet?

What doesn’t work about motorized foot patrol?

If I have to deal with somebody who might be aggressive toward me, that would be my only concern.

Most memorable scooter patrol experience?

The chance to talk with a young child. His eyes were so big. The world is an open arena of new things.

Will motorized patrol produce out-of-shape cops?

With our guys, we don’t have that concern. Our guys are in good shape.

Scooter patrol: “Minority Report” or “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure”?

Throw Pee-wee out.

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David Sivard

Deputy Sheriff

Do you ever feel a little silly on this thing?

No, not really. The helmet, maybe.

Hardest aspect of scooter patrol?

Maintaining your balance going down hills.

Is science fiction coming true here?

What’s next, jet packs?

What doesn’t work about these things?

This works for just about everything we do.

What is your fantasy when patrolling on this thing?

Nothing at all. It’s just a tool that people come up and ask about.

No fantasies?

No, sir. None.

Scooter patrol: Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Total Recall” or Pee-wee Herman in “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure”?

It’s a toss-up.