Hi, MTA; Bye-Bye, I-10 Ordeal

Re Steve Hymon’s July 27 Behind the Wheel: It is all about a change in attitude, Steve. Having been a van-pool rider for almost 14 years, traveling to and from Pasadena to UCLA, I know all too well the “gulag of concrete” as Hymon accurately describes the Santa Monica Freeway. Over the years, that freeway has gone from bad to worse, even in the early morning hours that used to be free of brake lights. On a good day, the drive time in the morning used to be about 35 minutes. Now it is a disaster all the time.

I always knew there had to be a better way to get to work and avoid the freeway. After reviewing the schedules for the Gold Line, the Red Line and the Rapid Transit buses, I was ready to embark on the unheard-of for L.A., a daily commute from Pasadena to Westwood using public transportation.

Though it isn’t perfect (what is?), I like the Gold Line and have not experienced the frequent slowing and stopping that so bothered Hymon. Pasadena to Union Station in 34 minutes on a regular basis is not bad. Although my entire commute does take longer than when I was in the van, why do we all need to be in such a hurry all the time? I have plenty of time to read, listen to the radio with my Walkman or just relax. It beats the freeways any day.

In trying to shrink the commute time, you could get up a little earlier, Steve. Also, the walk from Union Station to the Times building is reasonable. Or how about a quick jump onto the Red Line at Union Station and get off one stop later at Civic Center? The Times building is nearby.

I agree with Hymon that the MTA needs to have better feeder service. I park in the parking structure at the Sierra Madre Villa station in Pasadena, rather than take a bus to the station, and that works. Another good suggestion from Hymon would be to have some express trains during the morning and afternoon commute from Pasadena that would eliminate some of the stops along the way. It’s time for me to buy my August MTA pass. Hope not to see you on the freeway, Steve.

Mark Briskie

San Gabriel

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Hymon’s article left me shaking my head in wonder ... something I do each time I get on a private transit bus in Studio City to go to the Hollywood Bowl. Why is there no subway stop at the Hollywood Bowl? I’m no city planner or transportation engineer, but it would have made sense to me. Imagine the traffic tie-ups and parking nightmares that could be avoided.

Steven Hochstadt

Studio City