Bus Riders Union superhero El Pasajero protests proposed fare increase



Subway and bus rides could soon cost significantly more, if Metro carries out its new budget proposals.

Under one plan, the $1.50 base fare would rise to $1.75 in September, and increase to $2 by 2017 and $2.25 by 2021. An alternative plan would lift the fare at peak hours to $2.25 in September, and $2.75 in 2017 with fares reaching as high as $3.25 in 2021. Visit Metro’s website to see other fare increase proposals.

According to the Los Angeles Bus Riders Union, the increases will have dramatic consequences for L.A.’s low-income communities.

Metro has reported that its riders earn an average income of $16, 250 — just one third of the average across the county.

Last week, we witnessed one particularly creative way of protesting the potential rise in public transportation fares on a street in South L.A. … click play to watch.

Vergee’s Palace de Bella Donna hair salon prepares for Leimert Park changes



Vergee’s Palace de Bella Donna is one of several small businesses concerned that the expansion of Metro’s Crenshaw/LAX line will drive them out of business. The hair salon is a cultural icon in the predominantly African-American neighborhood of Leimert Park. Owner Vergie Huddleston has been there for several decades and says construction of the line would not only endanger her business but also many others in the area.

Huddleston has led many apprentices to become hair stylists and has also raised foster children. She says the most important thing in her life is to continue doing just that, fulfilling her mission to help the many young people who seek her guidance to succeed. And of course, to pass on the legacy of her unique way of hairstyling.

 

Read more about Leimert Park on Intersections: 

Leimert Park art renaissance in bloom at Papillion gallery

Metro’s Crenshaw/LAX line brings promise of jobs, revitalization to South LA

Leimert Park envisions the neighborhood in 2020

Leimert Park Phone Company debuts reinvented pay phones