Last Sunday on the Red Line III

BEN AND MAX

Ben is in the army coat and Max is in the French sailor hat. The two friends were on their way back to North Hollywood after visiting another friend in the hospital near the Vermont/Sunset station when MetroProfiles spotted them. They were very friendly and chatty.

MetroProfiles: Ben, who is "Lewis"? And your striped hat is cute.

Ben: I have no idea (who Lewis is)! I bought the jacket for $5 at the Fairfax flea market. This is actually Max's hat. He gave it to a friend of ours and we were over there recently and I put it on.

Max: I found the hat on the street...

MetroProfiles: Max, nice pants - guy pants or girl pants?

Max: These are guy pants. But I've worn girl pants before. I've been wearing these pants for four days now!

MetroProfiles: Don't worry - we can't tell! So tell us about your use of the Metro? Do you take it often?

Max: I take the Metro every day. I go to school at LA City College and it gets me right there.

Ben: I actually take it pretty rarely. I've taken it to places like Chinatown. I'm still in high school - Campbell High in North Hollywood - and I drive to school. But I like the Metro and the idea that one can go to different parts of the city, to places one might not go to unless one took the Metro.

MetroProfiles: I also have a car but I think it's important if we car owners can take the Metro whenever possible. So it's nice to see you on it today Ben. Good for you.

(Note: When I said goodbye, I forgot to tell Max and Ben that I hope their friend gets better soon!)

Last Sunday on the Red Line II

RUBEN LOPEZ ON HIS WAY HOME!

I admit I stalked Ruben for a few paces as he was walking briskly. But I rarely see such natty men his age and was determined to catch up with him. When I finally did (Johnny, a few paces behind me), he was so nice and forthcoming about his use of the Metro and his unique style sense. He told us he was on his way home to Los Feliz from Pasadena and he'd just hopped off the Gold Line and was transferring to the Red - a route I myself am very familiar with.

Ruben: I moved to LA two years ago and I went to culinary school in Pasadena. I use the Metro everyday - it's a great way to get around the city.

(MetroProfile Note: Ruben's alma mater is not just any culinary school, but the California School of Culinary Arts, a Cordon Bleu program. For more information, check out http://www.csca.edu/)

MetroProfiles: What are your favorite and least favorite things about the LA Metro?

Ruben: I like that it runs frequently - except I wish it ran later into the night. I also like the 24-hour buses in LA.

MetroProfiles: You're very stylish Ruben. Do you have any influences?

Ruben: I like to be comfortable and I also am influenced by nostalgia for past decades. And I like to stick out like a sore thumb! So I dress this way on purpose.

MetroProfiles: So what era are you channeling today?

Ruben: The 1960s.

MetroProfiles: We love it - the bracelets, your shoes, and the way your tie matches the crest on your sweater. Great look!