Ticket to ride?

Re “Making Metro grow up,” Opinion, Dec. 11

Matthew DeBord’s article is noble in its efforts to encourage the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to become “a mature partner in our transportation destiny,” but he incorrectly targets the installation of turnstiles as a means to achieve that maturity. The proof-of-payment method of collecting, also known as the honor system, is widely used in “mature” rapid-transit systems in such cities as Toronto, Prague, San Diego and many German cities.

There is only one reason why Metro Rail is not a useful means of commuting -- there are too few lines, and those that exist don’t go where they are most needed. Although the Expo Line and “subway to the sea” may cost billions, they and future rail projects are the only way Metro Rail will become truly world class. If the MTA really wants to make an empty gesture aimed at increasing pride in Metro Rail, it could save a lot of money by wasting a few thousand dollars on big, bright banners at every station, falsely proclaiming the subway mature and useful, rather than wasting a few million dollars on turnstiles.

Jonathan May

Los Angeles

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The MTA’s honor system for rail has always been absurd and unjust. There’s no honor system for bus riders, buses being the scorned means of public transportation. Riders pay or don’t ride. Installing turnstiles is way overdue for the subways.

Damiana Chavez

Los Angeles

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Public transportation in Southern California stinks. Erecting barriers, either physical or monetary, to its use is wrongheaded. The vast majority of funding for public transportation comes from taxes. The systems and bureaucracy needed to set, collect and police fares amount to a huge waste of energy and resources.

Public transit riders should be rewarded rather than penalized. Transit riders already subject themselves to a host of challenges for their efforts, including time, convenience and comfort. Los Angeles shouldn’t be looking to follow in the footsteps of 20th century transit systems. If the goal is to reduce automobile traffic, make all public transportation free and improve the rider experience.

Richard Michael

Bellflower