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Pam O'Connor OK. Enough doom and gloom. Gas prices are up and climbing and we're all feeling the squeeze. But lots of you are taking action. You're leaving your gas-guzzling cars behind and climbing onto mass transit. We know this because Metro Rail ridership shot up 6 percent last month, over May 2007, one of the highest such spikes on record. We also know you're joining Metro-supported carpools and vanpools. The end result will be positive, as we all figure out how to become less car dependent. But it just may be a serious challenge for a while. Nationally, polls are saying that many Americans intend to abandon pricey driving trips and stay home this summer for "stay-cations" -- excursions close to home. The good news for us in Los Angeles County is that our home IS a travel destination. I know many of you who participate in our internet chats are transit pros. So today I'm asking you to share your ideas for interesting and fun things to do in our region that can be reached by mass transit. Excursions can be to public places like great neighborhoods, parks or libraries. Tell us what you do when you get there and why they're so great. Tell us about beautiful rides like, say, the Metro Line 2 bus down Sunset Boulevard to the Pacific at sunset. Tell us about interesting coffee shops, bookstores, etc. While you're at it, tell us exactly how you get there. And about interesting people you've met along the way, such as Metro operators and fellow passengers. You probably have transit tricks even the experts haven't thought of. On June 30, the Board Chair position I've been serving for the past 12 months will rotate to LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Since I'll have more free time -- make that SOME free time! -- I plan to try out a few of your suggestions. Even though I will no longer be Board Chair, I will remain a member of the Board, as well as a Santa Monica City Council Member. And my efforts will continue on your behalf … as riders of the third largest public transit system in the country, and one that is growing as we speak. In fact, Metro has great plans for building out the system so it can better serve LA County. But until we can find some dedicated funding, we are probably not going to get what we need. This is why a half cent sales tax for LA County is being discussed to pay for new transit projects and to improve existing ones. So today send me -- and your fellow chatters -- your great ideas for "stay-cations" and for making the transit system better. I'm Pam from Santa Monica and it's been great talking with you. Pam O'Connor becomes the new Chair of Metro Board of Directors Organizations: Welcome to Metro Interactive Chat Note: Live Chat is a monitored chat and will be censored for language, topic, and -- All Rights Reserved. Rules for Participation
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