By Daily Press staff
Instead of receiving vehicle-mileage reimbursement, jurors serving on downtown Los Angeles trials can now request a weekly pass to ride all Metropolitan Transportation Authority buses and trains.
Los Angeles Superior Court’s Juror Services Division proposed the Juror Pass Program, approved Thursday by the MTA Board of Directors.
“The innovative Juror Pass Program is an added benefit for jurors serving on trials in downtown Los Angeles,” said Los Angeles Superior Court Presiding Judge Robert A. Dukes.
“MTA’s buses and trains offer close-to-home service for thousands of jurors who will undoubtedly favor public transportation over potential traffic and parking problems,” Dukes said.
In June, representatives from the court and MTA will evaluate the Juror Pass Program and consider offering it to jurors serving at other courthouses.
The Juror Pass will be valid throughout MTA’s service area on all local, limited-stop and Metro Rapid buses, as well as on the Metro Rail system, which includes the Red, Blue and Green lines.
“The Juror Pass Program will provide a convenient travel alternative to many jurors who otherwise would be driving alone to downtown Los Angeles,” said Roger Snoble, MTA chief executive officer, “and the program is also an excellent way to introduce county residents to the benefits of using Metro Bus and Metro Rail for their day-to-day travels.”
The Juror Pass Program is currently restricted to jurors serving at the following Los Angeles courthouses: ■Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, 210 Temple St. ■Stanley Most Courthouse, 111 N. Hill St. ■Metropolitan Courthouse, 1945 S. Hill St. JuryLink, an existing juror-transportation pass program with Metrolink, will continue. The pass program is available to jurors who prefer riding Metrolink commuter trains from the county’s suburbs instead of driving downtown.
Juror Pass Program benefits include increased mobility for jurors, an expanded range for their lunch break dining and shopping opportunities and decreased downtown traffic congestion.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 19, 2003. Read the original PDF.