Ridership on Blue Line

I read your editorial (“Looks Like a Winner So Far,” Jan. 21) about the success of the Blue Line with interest. However, I think the following should also be considered before the line is deemed a success or not:

* It appears that the anticipated ridership figures were set ridiculously low by the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission in order to make sure that they were exceeded by actual numbers.

* The current rail ridership could probably be served by about 100 new buses, at only a fraction of the capital investment.

* The fare cost (at $1.10/trip) has been set at about half of what the already subsidized bus fare is. Security costs alone are probably over 50% of the total fare box collection.

* I understand the Sacramento rail project is subsidized by the taxpayers to the tune of $10 for every $1 of fare box collection. I would be very much surprised if Blue Line subsidies are any lower than this.

ARVE THOMASSEN

Palos Verdes