reality vs idealism

it may surprise my non-angeleno readers that metro would even need to consider locking turnstiles or that it's even newsworthy that they're going to.  it's probably even more surprising just how recent the turnstile installation was (2009) and how poorly it was performing a year later.  personally, i think the money could have been spent much more effectively (snacks for the bus drivers to put them in a better mood, for instance).

another thing that is quite surprising is that from 1963 to 1990, l.a. county had no rail service.  to inspire people back into taking trains, fare enforcement was squarely in the background to encourage a sense of freedom.  well, sort of.  if you get caught without proof of valid payment, you can be fined $250.  but try collecting that from, say, the blind blue-line beggar