One year after Korea Daily’s report on senior mobility, LAT slams lack of bus shelters

The Los Angeles Times has once again spotlighted the pressing issue of “senior mobility rights”, a topic the Korea Daily has been monitoring since last year. On September 4, the LA Times highlighted that over 1,000 Korean American seniors, in their 70s and 80s, who frequent the Koreatown Senior Community Center at Olympic Boulevard and Irolo Street are grappling with extended transfer times and bus shelters without shade.

These seniors visit the center for various classes, including English, singing, and smartphone training. Hundreds eagerly queue up at the crack of dawn during each registration period.

Notably, the LA Times reported that these seniors have voiced their concerns at several public hearings with LA Metro officials, but nothing has changed. City officials pointed to a driver shortage as the reason for their inability to augment the number of shuttle buses.

For those with medical conditions that preclude driving, they are left to depend solely on public transit. Plans to enhance this service have been repeatedly turned down due to ridership numbers and the need to maintain equity with other bus lines. The feedback was that investing hundreds of thousands of dollars was not feasible currently.

Yet, to seniors, their mobility rights are not just a luxury but a fundamental freedom, making their plight all the more poignant. In reality, seniors coming from places like Glendale, Gardena, and Downtown LA often spend longer times waiting for a bus than the actual journey itself. Unscheduled bus delays further compound their woes.

Plans to install sunshades have been mired in controversy and inefficacy. There’s no scheduled construction for the current year, forcing seniors to seek shelter under nearby construction sites or buildings, which provide minimal relief from the sun.

“For numerous older Korean immigrants, buses are an indispensable conduit. Some residing in suburbs tolerate extensive rides with multiple transfers to attend classes at senior centers, socialize, or shop in Koreatown,” noted the LA Times. One Korean American senior commented during an interview, “With this year’s extreme heat, I’m hesitant to wait for a bus as I fear fainting.” They added, “I wish the city government would be more compassionate towards the elderly.”

Kwanil Park, director of the senior center, remarked, “The scorching weather greatly affects our seniors,” and called for immediate remedial measures.

BY BRIAN CHOI    [ichoi@koreadaily.com]