We love the bus. Really

In Southern California, riding a bus is considered by many an act of desperation, a sign that you can't either afford a car or just had one repossessed. So it's kind of surprising when residents express not only an appreciation but an affection for the bus.

Boyle Heights resident Browne Molyneux, for example, writes a tribute to the Montebello Bus Lines (Route No. 40, to be exact) on the new LA Eastside blog. Not only is the fare cheaper than riding an MTA bus, fellow riders, not just the homeless ones, talk to you and the drivers actually recognize their regular patrons:

"The bus drivers remember you and not only that, they spot you. I remember once I couldn’t find an ATM and the bus driver said, 'You got a pretty funky hat there, so you can get on.'"

Meanwhile on the Westside, riders of the Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus are preparing to celebrate the transit agency's 80th anniversary, reports the Argonaut.  Monday's celebration on the Third Street Promenade will include a display of vintage buses, including a model similar to the one featured in the movie "Speed") and a giant cake shaped like a bus. 

We would love to go. But where do you park?

-- Jesus Sanchez

Photo: Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Browne]

Jesus,

You work at the LA Times you don't need a car. Think about how much easier Happy Hour will be without worrying about driving home.

The MTA 30 runs all night (and I always have room on my handle bars.)

You get the real story by walking the streets.

Cars are so early aughts

Browne