But enough griping. I want to pay kudos to the LA Metro system. It's getting there, almost a world-class system if'n it weren't that LA is so damn big. I'll be taking the Orange line to my new work. This line cuts across the San Fernando Valley but along the southern half, so I'll still need to drive to the nearest station. I figure to save about $3000 / year on gas.

But as good as Metro is getting they still need the clincher to make it truly world-class. The hub for the Metro is in downtown so if I wanted to go from the West Valley to Long Beach, I'd have to go in to downtown then down to Long Beach although the obvious route is right over hill.

And that's what the Metro desperately needs is a connection going from the Valley (Orange Line - Sepulveda stop) to Long Beach with stops at: The Getty Center, WIlshire, Pico, Fox Hills, LAX, The Beaches (like Manhattan), and finally Long Beach. Yes, it will be blessedly expensive but it won't get any cheaper and it may help clear up the 405 parking lot.

If you look at many other subway systems, like London or Paris, they have at least circular route along the perimeter. (Hell, those cities have lines everywhere.) LA needs something similar to bypass the need to hub through downtown. Heck, the Valley to LAX connection should have a monster number of passengers itself.

But LA Metro is pretty good as long as you're not in a rush.