Bus Riders and Transit Zones

Most Valley buses run half empty, and the only ones with a high ridership are the three lines that provide commutes “over the hill.” These bus riders will be punished by having to pay an extra transfer fee to another agency if there is a separate zone. The idea appeals solely to local homeowner association types and politicians of the the secessionist stripe and is generally opposed by bus rider and transit groups.

Richard H. Close (“Transit Zone Offers Hope for a Better Bus System,” July 26) comes to the argument as a secessionist in bus rider’s clothing. Guided busways and transit hubs are great until we get to the nuts-and-bolts issues of where we locate the hub, which car lanes will be removed for buses and what parking spaces in front of merchants will eliminated, when these same groups will fight to defeat the entire concept in their own neighborhood as being disruptive.

ROGER CHRISTENSEN

Sherman Oaks