Readers React: Make drivers subsidize free Metro rides

Los Angeles has major problems with traffic, air quality and the wider separation of the haves and have-nots. It is time for city leaders to go in a different direction when it comes to solving these problems. (“Give L.A.’s riders a Metro fare hike that’s fair,” Editoiral, May 20)

Instead of talking about raising fares for local bus and rail riders, serious consideration should be given to levying a carbon tax, added to local gas taxes, that would totally subsidize the public transportation system.

By making all rides free and paid for completely by added taxes, many more people would use the public transportation system, thereby unclogging the streets for faster traffic flows for those who pay the costs.

With this concept, all drivers on the streets would be effectively paying a toll that would go to the riders of public transportation, thus making these rides toll-free.

Roy A. Fassel

Los Angeles

I wouldn’t mind paying an extra quarter to ride the Metro, especially if I would be able to transfer for one fare — but only if everyone pays.

Too many Metro rail stations don’t have turnstiles, and people walk right through without paying. Occasionally there are L.A. County sheriff’s deputies there to check tickets, but too many people still ride for free.

Metro needs to put turnstiles at every station so people will pay. And so the sheriff’s deputies can be assigned to something more important.

Michael Goldberg

Los Angeles