Golden ticket

Each week I make my way to Pasadena to pick up copies of PW so that I can send them to my folks in Ohio. I could probably have copies sent to me, but I enjoy my weekly treks, mainly because I have a real affinity for the Ventura (134) Freeway. Even during rush hour, as long as I can use the HOV lane, it never seems to take very long, and I find it a pretty drive, particularly once I get east of Glendale.

But after taking the Metro Red Line from Universal City to Union Station, then hopping on the Gold Line to Del Mar Station, I doubt I’ll take in the view from the 134 anytime soon.
In contrast to my recent experiences with often unpredictable Metro buses, my rides on the Metro trains were smooth sailing, the way I surmise mass transit was meant to be. As a virgin to the Metro rails, I was delighted from start to finish with my first experience.
Following are 10 good reasons (aside from the obvious, and that’s avoiding traffic) why I’ll probably never again drive to or from Pasadena.

10.    The train cars are clean, like, really clean.  
The bulk of my subway riding experience has taken place in New York City, and most (read: all) of the subway cars in the Big Apple are foul. In contrast, the Gold Line trains I rode were graffiti- and odor-free, with no garbage to be found. I can’t say the same of my X-Terra.

9.     Passengers obey the rules. 
The signs posted in each Metro station clearly prohibit eating, drinking, loud music, gas-powered vehicles, spitting, littering, rollerblading, skateboarding, chewing gum (I broke this rule, but didn’t notice others doing so) and loud or rowdy activity. All passengers I scrutinized — to the point of being creepy — pretty much kept to themselves and refrained from any of the aforementioned no-no’s.

8.    Each stop is clearly announced. 
Enough said.

7.    It’s cheap.
For five bucks I traveled more than 30 miles. The XT doesn’t get horrible gas mileage, but it certainly doesn’t get 30 miles per gallon, and with gas prices the way they are, I’m saving my pennies.  Plus, a full-day Metro pass is only $5, so I could have kept riding all day had I purchased a whole day pass instead of four one-way tickets. Rookie mistake.

6.     I’m helping the environment.
Less cars on the freeway equal less smog. Pretty sure they teach you that in “Smog For Dummies 101.”

5.     I’m safer. 
This is a baseless claim. I have no idea if it’s safer to ride Metro rail lines than it is to drive my car. However, I can say that I’ve been in about a dozen auto accidents, but never a train accident. So, I’m making an educated guess, if you will.

4.      The stations are tidy. 
Again, in contrast to NYC subway stations there was no odor of urine greeting me at any of the stations. Nor was there any garbage strewn about. Most importantly, I didn’t see a single rat (and I looked).

3.      The maps and routes are simple.
Granted, there are only four Metro rail lines. Still, I appreciate the fact that they are color-coded and clearly displayed on all trains and at each station, so that even a simpleton like me can figure them out.  

2.      The trains are not crowded. 
I get more claustrophobic walking on Colorado Boulevard. In a sense, this is a shame, because it means that too few people are riding the trains.  All the same, I prefer a little personal space, and it was ample even during rush hour.

1.     I feel so hip.
I’m all about being an urban cowgirl. Chucking the car for the subway makes me feel oh-so city-dwellerish. Plus, now I can indulge in a cocktail or three when visiting Pasadena each week since I’m not getting back behind the wheel.

So there you have it. For every gripe I found with my Metro bus experience I can say with complete honesty that I have no bone to pick with our Metro rail system. On the contrary, I’m very much looking forward to watching the rail system grow, beginning with the completion of the Gold Line’s East Extension, scheduled for next year.  
In the meantime, if you’re a 134 commuter, you’re welcome. You’ve got one less moron to contend with on the road each week.

Contact Jen Hadley at jmhadley624@yahoo.com