The bus shuttle everyone knows about, but knows nothing about.
By Knia Frank
East Los Angeles' best-kept secret, El Sol, will enter its 15th year of service June of 2015.
Supervisor Gloria Molina was credited with the installation of the shuttle service.
"We initiated it because we saw a great need for local transportation - in and around East L.A. and to connect to the larger regional lines served by MTA and Montebello," said Supervisor Molina's Press Deputy, Megan Moret.The shuttle which safely transported 1,415,333 riders in the 2013-2014 fiscal year, was coined "El Sol" by a community member who came up with the nickname, according to Moret.
Did waiting in the sun at the shuttle stop spark the nickname? The question may never be answered since the community member can't be identified.
Riders can find the freshly painted purple shuttle signs at the "Roybal Comprehensive Health Center, the California State Los Angeles, East LA Community College, shopping areas on Cesar Chavez Avenue, Whittier Boulevard, and the Commerce Shopping Center," according to Los Angeles County Department of Works' website. The county website also has several awards listed that shuttle received, such as "the 2001 Los Angeles County Quality and Productivity Commission's Top Ten Award, the 2001 Access Services' Spirit of Accessibility Award, and the 2001 National Association of Counties' Achievement Award." Although El Sol was recognized in its early years for its unique and quality service, there were not enough residents taking advantage of it. "Challenges in the early years were getting word out about the lines and building ridership," said Moreta.
Well now it seems like the cat was let out of the bag.
On any weekday afternoon, you could expect to see the stop next to the East Los Angeles Civic Center occupied by with students ready to board. "I really don't have to pay for it because with a student I.D., I get in for free," said Alex Sanchez.Students do not have to pay the fare and neither do seniors who are 60 years and older, persons with disabilities, children under five, or Metro Pass Holders. Even with other forms of public transportation increasing fares, El Sol's fare shines steady, like the sun.
If you don't fall under any of those categories you may have to pay the full 25 cents fare. "The fare is low because it only travels within East L.A. and we want to ensure that it is accessible for everyone including kids and seniors," said Moreta.
Ironically, El Sol can relieve you of the sun's effects with the air-conditioned interior. It will probably be much needed relief since each route only circulates once an hour and there are no plans of changing or expanding any lines, according to Moreta.
The history of El Sol is rich and for the most part unknown by many riders. One rider, Sam Dominguez thought the boxer, Oscar De La Hoya, helped fund the shuttle service. Press Deputy Megan Moret however, confirmed this was in fact just a rumor.
It is time that El Sol is given the attention it warrants for the services it provides in the community. Other cities and unincorporated areas should work to implement a similar model in their areas. Riders should take pride in their local shuttle line by creating "hashtags" on twitter or even "yelping" about the great service so that more than a shuttle brochure can come up in a google search of El Sol.
This is a great time for residents should take full advantage of the power of social media and promote awareness and spread the rich history of El Sol so when people ask "what's up" you say "El Sol", they will get that this service is not a joking matter.