To the editor: I can't believe no one has yet come up with the obvious solution to violence on public transportation. There is a sublime solution that does not require more police officers on trains, buses and stations. (“They want to ride buses and trains, but they are afraid. For passengers, both young and old, Metro must be safer,” column, May 9)
You simply have a gunsmith on every train and bus who hands a gun to every passenger who boards and then collects them when they get off.
Except for the children, of course. They will receive knives. And the driver can carry a flamethrower.
Problem solved.
Robert Joseph Narlian, Escondido
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To the editor: The “concern” expressed by city and Metro leaders about how lawlessness on buses and trains makes passengers feel unsafe rings hollow to me.
I often see people jumping through station doors without paying, which helps create an atmosphere where there are no rules. It's starting to make me feel stupid for paying my own fare.
I recently rode the BART system in San Francisco, where there were employees verifying that passengers had paid fares before boarding. I also saw security guards who did not allow loitering or misconduct at the stations. Of course, increased revenue from fare-paying passengers helps fund these safety services, which are welcomed by the public.
I would like to see our political leaders take charge of the overall chaos in our Metro system and begin serving the taxpaying citizens of Los Angeles.
Doug Weiskopf, Burbank
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To the editor: I would like to express my gratitude to columnist Steve Lopez for his recent articles highlighting the Metro system and its impact on seniors. For more than five decades, my husband and I have enjoyed using public transportation around the world.
As in places like Mexico City, Los Angeles should implement designated seating areas for seniors, women, disabled passengers and children to improve safety and comfort by reserving pink-painted sections for these vulnerable groups.
This would address concerns about disruptive behavior and incivility on the Los Angeles Metro. Implementing reserved seating sections, potentially with stronger monitoring and enforcement, would directly improve the travel experience for elderly and disabled passengers, as well as women and children.
Paulette Greenberg, Culver City
