Fare hike protested

At least 200 demonstrators crowded into the marble lobby of the MTA building, two floors below the board room, where the MTA's 13 directors were hearing speaker afer speaker object to the agency's proposed fare increase. Under the watchful eye of MTA security officers and Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies, the demonstrators in the lobby clapped, chanted and shouted their opposition.

Many wore yellow stickers saying "Stop the Racist Fare Hikes" in both English and Spanish. They chanted under a multi-colored banner that says "Go Metro."

-Jeff Rabin

Comments

[RB]

I have a couple of problems here. First of all, the MTA hasn't increased rates in a decade. As the prices to operate increase, are we to assume that the MTA is going to continue to operate efficiently? Do we really think that when the union goes to renegotiate their contract they will accept an MTA offer of no raises because the people of LA don't want to pay an extra few dollars? We all have to chip in.

Second, I don't understand the racism argument. The MTA must consider all forms and alternatives to driving. No one likes to be in traffic and traffic is not racist, it affects all of us. And if the MTA doesn't consider rail and bus-only lanes, then the traffic-clogged streets will begin to affect current bus transportation even more. What's the Bus Rider's Union going to do then? Sue the MTA because the rest of the city won't get out of their cars? Why ride a bus if it wont' get you to your destination any quicker or cheaper than a driving a car?

Finally, why is there such a hugh fight to keep bus fares down when everything else is going up? Has anyone noticed that food prices have gone up more than the price to ride metro? Take a look, The Times ran the article on May 15. Where are those protesters? Why isn't anyone crying racism there? By The Bus Riders Union's argument, should we sue the food producers for pricing the food so that only "wealthy west-siders can afford it?

These are misdirected arguments in my opinion. Prices go up, that's a fact. I think that the original MTA plan was too high, but I also think that this plan is fair. There are a lot of residents in the city that are desperate of bus and car alternatives. The more people who ride = the more money MTA makes = less need to raise fares.

Just my opinion.