MEANEY: We're talking about people, at least in Los Angeles, with the least amount of time, social capital and access to power. GONZALEZ: That's Jessica Meaney with Investing in Place, an organization that advocates for LA bus riders. JESSICA MEANEY: Right now, we're on the busiest bus line in Los Angeles. They argue a better focus would be on transit fundamentals - better service, more routes and cleaner vehicles. GONZALEZ: But transit advocates say safety concerns about public transportation are overblown by media reports. Like, we just tried to take the train to go to the Dodger Stadium, and it was crazy. SMITH: For my safety, you know, I definitely wouldn't ride the train now because, you know, there's a lot of homeless, a lot of - you know, they be on there screaming.
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GONZALEZ: Kristen Smith, the SUV driver in LA, acknowledges that she's scared of public transit. UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER #2: Police say it appears to be a random attack, and it has some people in the city fearful of mass transit once again. UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER #1: The search continues this morning for the man wanted for killing a subway passenger Sunday afternoon. GONZALEZ: Why aren't more people returning to buses and trains? Well, one big reason has been fear of transit crime and violence in cities like New York. Dickens says public transit agencies are in for a long recovery.ĭICKENS: In terms of the pandemic, I think a lot of agencies anticipated that it was going to be a sort of several-year trip back to something resembling more normal. GONZALEZ: Even with high gas prices, mass transit ridership is still only about 60% of its pre-pandemic levels. MATT DICKENS: Gas prices might go up 20 or 30%, and we see maybe a, you know, 2 or 3% change in ridership. Matt Dickens, director of research at the American Public Transportation Association, says that historically, high gas prices just create a modest increase in public transportation ridership.
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GONZALEZ: Well, this is LA, but it's also drivers across the country. Have you considered public transportation as an option? I asked Jimmy Francisco (ph) the same question at the next pump. GONZALEZ: And Smith is not the only one here who thinks public transit is an absurd alternative.
SMITH: (Laughter) Absolutely not (laughter). GONZALEZ: Is public transportation an option for you? KRISTEN SMITH: I'm only going to put 50 because it'll be, like, 175 for me to fill my truck up. SAUL GONZALEZ, BYLINE: At a filling station in south LA, regular gas is going for $6.59 a gallon, and Kristen Smith (ph) is not happy about what she's spending to partially fill her SUV. Saul Gonzalez of member station KQED has a closer look at the sluggish return to mass transit. They're concerned about safety in general. Riders say they're still nervous about crowds and COVID. I can’t wait to show the people of Boulder how Encore is building a different kind of bank.”Įncore Bank is currently operating in 20 markets across nine states, including Arkansas, Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.Įncore first entered the state of Colorado in May of this year when it announced its expansion into Denver.Despite record-high gas prices, people are not exactly flocking to public transit. With its entrepreneurial spirit, focus on innovation and concierge approach to banking, Encore will be a welcomed addition to the Boulder business community. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to work alongside the trailblazers at Encore Bank. “I am looking forward to this next chapter in my career with our team,” said Geis. Together, Geis, Nuzum and Melin bring a combined 45 years of banking experience to Encore Bank. He is a graduate of Black Hills State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing.Įncore also hired Kent Nuzum, who will serve as executive vice president and Boulder commercial group president, and Chris Melin, who will serve as senior vice president and commercial relationship manager. Geis is a 20-year banking veteran with expertise in commercial lending, credit and business development.īefore joining Encore, Geis was the Boulder market president for Great Western Bank. He is a visionary leader and a highly respected banking professional.” Geis is the perfect person to build the Encore brand there. “Boulder is an attractive high-growth market with a diverse mix of leading industry clusters and a business climate known for entrepreneurship and innovation. “We are thrilled to launch into the Boulder market,” said Josh Peebles, Encore’s regional president for Colorado. Gary Geis will serve as executive vice president and Boulder market president. Little Rock-based Encore Bank announced Thursday (July 7) it has expanded into the Boulder, Colorado market.