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Comment on Expo Line Transit Service Interface Proposal — Part 2: Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus by Kymberleigh Richards

Kymberleigh Richards — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:47:12 +0000

And by the way, Spokker, on Wednesday afternoon (in the key 5:00pm hour) I restarted the up escalator from the lower platform of Wilshire/Vermont Station. I’m sure the passengers who were subsequently able to use that escalator — one of the longest in North America, I am told — are glad I carry those keys you love to make fun of my carrying.

Comment on Expo Line Transit Service Interface Proposal — Part 2: Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus by Kymberleigh Richards

Kymberleigh Richards — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:45:28 +0000

Something I forgot to say earlier: The “patronizing impressions” I do are of all the members of the Metro Board of Directors. I do not discriminate (in either direction) on the basis of race, etc.

And it’s actually more of a routine based on my observations of their recurrent personality traits, not vocal impersonations.

Comment on Expo Line Transit Service Interface Proposal — Part 3: Metro by Jerard

Jerard — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:40:16 +0000

John von Kerczek:

Its more to keep the connections with other East-west routes (35, 37, 38, CC1 and CC4)and the current Line 439 which heaviest boarding load is between WLATC to Fox Hills via Ladera Heights. Routing the local service to Culver Junction station would be very wasteful because it would be duplicating connections it already makes. If there is one route between the two that should run this route it’s the 780, because the 705 is also serving this area and would connect to the La Cienega Expo Station.

* For the Fairfax District/Hollywood service to LAX, maybe this could be an opportunity for a Flyaway bus that serves this area directly. A higher premium fare can be charged for the convienece.

As for the Expo emulator idea, the biggest points that Culver Junction needs to connect with are Westwood Blvd-Palms and Santa Monica/Watergarden.

- With the current Super 12 service that operates between Westwood and Venice/National could easily be adjusted to all-day “rapid” service to serve the Palms/Westwood Blvd area.

- The Watergarden can be served by having Line 534 leave the freeway at Cloverfield and serve the Watergarden campus and Santa Monica. Also marketing this service to current 33-333 riders wanting to reach Santa Monica in ease and seated comfort is the best way to handle the currently under-utilized service in the off-peak direction (EB in the AM, WB in the PM). Both of these ideas are currently being suggested and researched within the Westside Sector Governance Council.

Comment on Expo Line Transit Service Interface Proposal — Part 3: Metro by Dan Wentzel

Dan Wentzel — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:09:25 +0000

Good point, John.

Comment on Expo Line Transit Service Interface Proposal — Part 3: Metro by John von Kerczek

John von Kerczek — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:01:35 +0000

There is not much more at La Cienega/National so I don’t really see the point in extending the 780 or the 217 there. Why not just route it west on Washington to Culver Junction where all the other buses are going?

Comment on Expo Line Transit Service Interface Proposal — Part 3: Metro by Dan Wentzel

Dan Wentzel — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 18:17:14 +0000

“And while they are at it, they need to get the Purple line emulator going as well by re-routing 920 through Century City.”

This is totally agree with.

The problem with the West L.A. Transit Center is that there is litereally nothing there, not even a taco truck.

I am hoping that when the Expo Line opens, a new transit center will emergy at the La Cienega/National station.

Comment on Expo Line Transit Service Interface Proposal — Part 3: Metro by John von Kerczek

John von Kerczek — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:36:20 +0000

For the 217 and particularly the 780, I would suggest these lines terminate at Culver Junction (via Washington Blvd.) rather than Fairfax-La Cienega. The present West LA Transit Center terminus is a total pain, requiring a transfer to the 33/333 or the CC 1 to get into downtown Culver City, and extending these routes southward doesn’t address this connectivity issue.

Furthermore, the replacement of the 439 with the 539x eliminates an LAX connection for the Fairfax corridor. I agree with your point that chasing air passengers is a waste of money, but considering the minor alteration this would entail and the benefits of connecting downtown Culver City with Hollywood and the Fairfax corridor (WeHo, Fairfax Village, The Grove/Farmer’s Market, LACMA, Little Ethiopia), it’s a good asset to have.

Comment on Expo Line Transit Service Interface Proposal — Part 3: Metro by bzcat

bzcat — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:12:03 +0000

I think the Expo emulator and Expo line should have one-ticket ride. Meaning if you board Expo line at USC (for example), you get to transfer to the Expo bus for free to Santa Monica; and likewise, boarding Expo bus in Santa Monica or Westside Pavilion will allow you to ride to 7th/Fig without additional fare. I don’t know how that could be worked out but it may require a special enclosed/fenced bus bay at Culver Junction to allow this special train to bus transfer.

The idea is very good… need to iron out the details. Metro should really study this option seriously. And while they are at it, they need to get the Purple line emulator going as well by re-routing 920 through Century City.

Comment on Metro unveils new mascot (and video display news) by Fred Camino

Fred Camino — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:37:30 +0000

Mina, you can spot him in the top most picture on this post. He’s exiting the subway and looking at the giant bus signs.

Comment on Metro unveils new mascot (and video display news) by Mina Nichols

Mina Nichols — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:42:42 +0000

You’ve really got to show us a picture of this Metro Question Mark - but the description is giving me very uncomfortable memories of the Microsoft Paper clip.