By Ken Ruben
Re “Forget Penny. How About a Dime for Mr. Ida’s Thoughts”
[Editor’s Note: Culver City’s most recognizable bus rider updates this week’s region-wide debate over whether blind riders of busses, traditionally not charged, should have to pay the same 35 cents other disabled persons do.]
I have known Jack Gabig, the general manager of Gardena Bus Lines, even longer than Art Ida, Culver City’s transportation director.
Mr. Gabig told me he spent some years with Montebello Bus Lines, and then Metro in various capacities. For the last four years, he has been with Gardena, which has a fleet of 60 buses.
He told me in regards to the free fares for the blind, he found out about the situation the same way Art Ida did.
Mr. Gabig went on and scheduled a hearing at a regular Gardena City Council meeting.
When the change from the free fare was brought up, there were no protests.
The change for the Americans with Disabilities Act fare of 35 cents went into effect April 1.
Within the past two years, Gardena has started an express bus during rush hours, using the 110 Freeway.
Several years ago, I caught it at the Green Line Station, and my then EZ Pass was accepted.
Gardena is one of the systems honoring TAP cards.
Mr. Gabig may be contacted at jgabig@gardenabus.com
Mr. Ruben may be contacted at kenru15@gmail.com
