Make Bus Rides Easier

Before it can get “better on the bus” (“At the MTA, PR Machine Rolls Out Along With New Bus Fleet,” Jan. 5), there must be better application of common sense by the MTA in meeting the transportation needs of bus riders.

Here are my observations: 1. For faster service, the MTA needs buses that do not make it a monumental task for senior citizens to board. Why not use the buses that Santa Monica uses--the Flyers--that have only one step to alight? 2. During rush hour on heavily traveled routes, designate the parking lanes as bus-only lanes. 3. Why not use double-decker buses on the routes with load factor, such as Vermont Avenue, Santa Monica Boulevard and Fairfax? Use smaller buses on less-used routes.

--RAJ PATRAO

West Hollywood