+METRO

Metro Fixes the Little Tokyo Station

plusMETRO — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:44:52 +0000

By Jung Gatoona

Since writing a story about the confusing entrance and exit paths of the new Little Tokyo / Arts District station for the Gold Line's Eastside Extension [click here to view], much has happened since. Yes, Metro has actually taken steps to fix the problem, and it took less time than I predicted.

Top Five Rude Behaviors Aboard Metro

plusMETRO — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:39:33 +0000

By Jung Gatoona

If you’ve been taking public transportation as long as me, and as frequently, you know that there are quite a few individuals who let’s say, are not the most courteous of people. When encountering such group of people, I find myself laughing quietly at their behavior. But, humorous as their behavior might be, it is still unacceptable, for public transportation is designed and catered to be used by many, not just one individual. With that said, I bring to you the top five most frequent rude behaviors you most probably will encounter when taking public transportation in Los Angeles.

Rosa Parks Gets a Face Lift

plusMETRO — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 05:45:33 +0000

By Jung Gatoona

It's the second most used station in all of Metro's rail system. It's the place where the Green Line and Blue line comes together to allow easier movement for the people of LA. Call it the Rosa Parks station, Imperial/Wilmington station, or the place where the Green Line and Blue Line make love. Whatever you call it, one thing you can't disagree with it being called, is a dump. Perhaps I'm being too harsh, but for being the second most used station, one expects to see better. Fortunately, Metro is now ready to do something about it.

Metro in 2009

plusMETRO — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 23:28:13 +0000

By Jung Gatoona

Thanks largely in part to Measure R being approved in November of 2008, 2009 will be known as the year Los Angeles took its first major steps to modernize and grow its public transportation sector. With a projected $40 billion attached to Measure R to use over the next 30 years, LA county will see major improvements in how its residents move about. The future looks bright for LA, but before we get too excited in anticipation for what lies ahead, let's take a moment to look back at what 2009 offered. This is Metro in 2009.

21st Century Public Transportation Tools

plusMETRO — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:21:02 +0000

By Jung Gatoona

Taking public transportation in the 21st century is simply amazing. With all the tools and power of today's technology being offered to you, why not take advantage and use it? Here are some of the top 21st century tools you can use to connect with Metro and gain an upper hand in using public transportation.

Can You TAP Me Now?

plusMETRO — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 22:18:13 +0000

By Jung Gatoona

TAP, known also as the Transit Access Pass, is stated by Metro to be a "durable plastic card with an electronic chip inside that you use again and again." Hold up Metro, durable, you say?

Eastside Extension Safety Concerns

plusMETRO — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:27:10 +0000

By Jung Gatoona

After spending much time riding and checking out the new stations of Metro's Eastside extension for the Gold Line, it has come to my attention that one of the most confusing and worst designed stations of them all is the Little Tokyo / Arts District station. It's as if the station was purposely designed to resemble a sort of lab rat maze where the prize is not cheese, but an oncoming train. Luckily no one has been hit, yet, and it can stay that way if some quick improvements are added by Metro.

Tomorrow: Public Transit or Private Car?

plusMETRO — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:30:41 +0000

By Jung Gatoona

Gas bad, Metro good. Gas problem, Metro solution. These are the words an intelligent caveman would say if he were here today, but lately they are the words being used by Metro's marketing team to increase its ridership. Metro wants, if not needs more riders to stay afloat, and it seems they are quite aware that what's bad for drivers is good for them.

Expo Line, Save Me!

plusMETRO — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:09:49 +0000

By Dave Carwin

Santa Monica is where I work, and living in Downtown LA doesn't make it easy to get there. Commuting via the current public transportation infrastructure takes me on average three hours back and forth each day. And believe me, as much as I love taking the bus, wasting three hours of my day commuting is frustrating.

Tickets Please?

plusMETRO — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:28:38 +0000

By Jung Gatoona

If you haven't noticed already, LA's current light-rail stations are notorious for not having operational turnstiles in place to verify payment before boarding. Instead, Metro relies heavily on hired security personnels and County sheriffs to board trains and check for payment manually. So, how effective is this scare tactic in catching to prevent fare evaders? As a daily commuter myself, I can say confidently that this system is a complete waste of money, and here's why.