1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about the disconnect between Metro leadership and the everyday experiences of Los Angeles commuters. The recent admission by board member Kathryn Barger that she fears riding public transportation alone highlights a troubling gap in understanding between those who make decisions about our transit system and those who rely on it daily. This disconnect is not just a matter of perception; it has real consequences for the millions of Angelenos who depend on Metro for their daily commutes. When our transit leaders are out of touch with the realities of the system they oversee, it leads to misguided priorities and ineffective solutions. To address this critical issue, I strongly urge you to implement a policy requiring all Metro board members and senior leadership to use the public transit system regularly as part of their official duties. Specifically, I propose that they be mandated to use Metro for at least 50% of their work-related travel. This policy would serve several crucial purposes: 1. It would provide decision-makers with firsthand, regular experience of the system's strengths and weaknesses, leading to more informed and effective policy-making. 2. It would demonstrate leadership's confidence in the system, potentially encouraging wider ridership and improving public perception. 3. Most importantly, it would create a powerful incentive for Metro leadership to prioritize and quickly implement meaningful improvements to service quality and user experience. The current situation, where board members feel disconnected from the very system they oversee, is unacceptable. It undermines public trust and suggests a failure in governance. By mandating regular Metro use for leadership, we can ensure that those making decisions about our public transportation system truly understand and are invested in its success. I request that you introduce and support a measure to implement this policy within the next 30 days. Furthermore, I ask that monthly ridership reports for board members and senior executives be made public to ensure accountability and transparency. Los Angeles deserves a public transportation system that is efficient, reliable, and trusted by all - including those responsible for its operation. Let's bridge the gap between leadership and riders, creating a Metro system that truly serves the needs of our diverse and dynamic city. It's time for Metro leadership to step out of their ivory tower and onto the trains and buses alongside the people they serve.