1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The recent extension of the Los Angeles Metro A Line to become the world's longest light-rail line at 58 miles is an impressive feat, but it falls short of providing reliable, efficient public transportation for our community. As a regular rider, I've experienced firsthand the frustrations that plague this $1.5 billion investment. While the A Line connects 19 colleges and spans from Pomona to Long Beach, its potential is severely undermined by operational issues. Trains inexplicably turning around at Union Station, leaving passengers stranded during their commutes, is unacceptable. This unreliability, coupled with reports of replacement drivers being unavailable due to extended breaks, significantly impacts the lives and livelihoods of hardworking Angelenos who depend on this service. The journey from Pomona to Long Beach takes an arduous 2 hours and 27 minutes – more than double the time of a car trip. This sluggish pace, partly due to trains stopping at red light intersections, makes the A Line an impractical option for many commuters, despite its affordable $1.75 fare. Moreover, the condition of train cars is concerning. Unpleasant odors and apparent lack of cleanliness detract from the riding experience and may discourage ridership. The malfunctioning alarm at the new LAX airport station further exemplifies the system's reliability issues. I urge you to address these critical problems immediately. We need a comprehensive plan to improve A Line reliability, reduce travel times, and enhance the overall quality of service. This should include: 1. Implementing a more efficient scheduling system to prevent unexpected turnarounds and ensure timely driver replacements. 2. Working with city planners to prioritize train movements at intersections, reducing unnecessary stops. 3. Increasing the frequency of thorough cleaning and maintenance of train cars. 4. Conducting a full audit of the line's operational efficiency and implementing necessary improvements. Los Angeles deserves a public transit system that matches its ambition. The A Line has the potential to be a vital artery for our city, but it requires immediate attention to truly serve the needs of our community. I look forward to hearing about concrete steps you will take to address these issues and transform the A Line into the efficient, reliable service our city needs.