Any fellow MTAers out there - Rant (Sierra Madre: lease, live)

[LArenter]

For the past two years, I traveled the Red Line from Hollywood to Downtown for work. I recently moved East and was taking the Gold Line to the Red Line.

Reason why I just leased a car and will probably start driving again to work:

1. I have to get to the Sierra Madre Villa station extremely early in order to ensure a parking spot. People roll into my office from 9-10am, but I have to roll in at 8:15 because if I get to the station too late; I can't find a spot.
2. All the trains are getting really full - Not just no seats available full, but no standing room on the train, take the next one full (Isn't this the summer and workers should be on vacation with their kids?). I've lived in NYC and SF and am no stranger to packed cars, but I've had to miss several trains adding 15-20 minutes to my commute.
3. Less people driving = less traffic

Is anyone else finding the same situation like me? I remember they use to market the train with posters of people doing things while commuting (e.g. playing soduku and an old woman knitting -- good luck doing that while standing in a packed train)

I've heard talk about adding more trains to the Metrolink and rumors of more trains on the MTA, but can they even do that given the capacity of a two rail system (one track going in each direction)?

[the one]

well for a bit i did notice more commuters on the blue line, but its not really been a problem.
the blue line trains run pretty close tho. i've made it 7th st metro station from the red line and a couple of times i have opted to stay on the platform waiting for the next train.
usually the next one was already there, arriving, or a few minutes away. of course this depends on ridership, and i assume that the more long term riders on the gold line, the more cars and trains will be added.
the blue line hasnt really seen that big of an increase. the numbers are right were they were right before the MTA raised its fares. the gold line on the other hand has apparently. give it some time.

as for the parking situation. well that just sucks. is the bus an option? a bike? i take the bus to the train. or sometimes drive. but parking can be a hassle.

good luck.

[CESpeed]

I'm really sorry that you've had that experience. Welcome back to the land of the drivers. Maybe you can find someone you can carpool with to help cut costs and pollution.

[LArenter]

It's funny that you mention that CESpeed, I asked around my office and found someone that will be (somewhat) along my way to work.