While mechanics of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority are
on strike ““ affecting an estimated 500,000 commuters in the
Los Angeles area ““ some UCLA students and many workers
attempt to find alternative methods of transportation to get to
campus.
MTA mechanics went on strike Tuesday, prompting bus drivers,
train operators and other workers to honor picket lines. The
mechanics union is in a dispute with the MTA over the union’s
health fund.
MTA spokeswoman Rufina Juarez said the MTA is calling the union
back to the negotiation table.
Adding to commuters’ woes, some contracted bus drivers
walked off the job Wednesday morning. The bus drivers were from the
13 lines contracted by MTA from First Transit Inc. The MTA has 23
lines contracted out to different transportation companies.
Three MTA lines ““ the green, red and purple lines ““
operate in the area surrounding UCLA.
One-fifth of UCLA students could be affected by these routes
being shut down, estimates Daniel Mitchell, a professor of
management at the Anderson School at UCLA and an expert in
transportation issues.
Though many students will not be affected by the strike, those
who will said they hope UCLA will be able to ease their commute to
and from campus.
“(UCLA) needs to do something as fast as possible,”
said You Jin Leem, a third-year chemistry student and frequent MTA
user.
UCLA Transportation Services sent out an e-mail to all students
providing them with ride-sharing information if they are affected
by the strike.
The “Ride Match” Web site matches commuters with
others who live and commute to similar locations, facilitating
carpools throughout the L.A. area.
But some students have not been able to find others with whom
they can coordinate rides.
It has been difficult to find students who need to be in the
exact place at the exact time, Leem said.
“I wish I could find a carpool as soon as possible,”
Leem said.
Jesús Gonzáles, a third-year English student, is also
being inconvenienced by the strike. Gonzáles has had to be
picked up by friends the past two days.
Other than students, many campus workers are being adversely
affected as well.
Omar Juvera, 21, an employee of Sbarro’s La Cucina in
Ackerman Union, said he usually takes the bus to work from his home
in Hollywood. Juvera also said he does not like driving his car and
would rather not pay $7 for a parking day pass.
As many of the eateries’ employees are on the same boat
without a ride to work, many said they are planning to start their
own carpools.
Other bus services, including the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, ran
additional lines to Los Angeles on Wednesday and are experiencing
heavier traffic than usual.
With reports from Colleen Honigsberg and Charles Proctor,
Bruin Senior Staff, and Daily Bruin wire services.