The Fun of Bus Riding

The problem with the 81 is that north of downtown, it does a couple of miles on the Pasadena Fwy from Avenue 26 to Hill. Freeway traffic often causes it to get "stuck" and fall behind schedule. When it's raining and the freeway is really bad, the drivers will ditch the official route and detour down Ave. 26 to Pasadena Ave., to Broadway; and then take College (I think) back to Hill. This, however, bypasses the northernmost southbound bus stop on Hill. Never wait at this stop during rush hour when it's raining. (By the way, the fact that when you were waiting for the 81 the bus going in the other direction is one of the prime rules of bus riding: When you arrive at the bus stop, the bus going in the other direction will always come first.)

I have to deal with this all the time waiting for the 4 from Hollywood to Downtown. They are often late and then after 30 minutes 3 will come together in a clump. Are you aware of any means of notifying MTA or submitting a complaint?

You can e-mail Customer Relations at Metro: customerrelations@metro.net

Bus bunching is a serious problem on lines with bus service generally 15 minute frequency or less. The math is while service is fixed demand is fluid and cause a back-up. I once read comments by someone who had worked in transit for a half-century who lamented in all that time he never found a satisfactory solution to bunching...

Actually, one of the virtues of rail-based transit is ability of the train to adhere to a consistent schedule. Yes, I know trains are not immune to delays. But, details like this don't seem to figure into the endless debate of rail vs. bus. Too bad the Expo Line won't be built until long after you graduate.