ON-RAMP : Short and Sweet

Three months ago, Caltrans was absolutely gaga over its newest progeny--the Century Freeway. The I-105, a 17.3-mile stretch from El Segundo to Norwalk, made it possible to get from Downtown to the airport in 17 to 20 minutes instead of 30 to 35, a dream come true for motorists, especially shuttle and taxi drivers.

After the Northridge earthquake, everyone is still impressed. The state-of-the-art freeway survived intact. It’s more heavily traveled than before, as thwarted I-10 patrons seek alternate routes, but drivers say it’s still a breeze. According to Caltrans representative Pat Reid, there is no indication that it will not remain so.

Roger Cogliati, a dispatcher at Super Shuttle, calls the I-105 “just incredible. It dramatically cuts our time from Downtown, South Bay and any area along the crowded I-91 corridor.”

Gabriel Nwajuaku, treasurer of Checker Cab of L.A., says his drivers are still “cutting out 25% of their driving time at least.”

Of course, they charge their usual fares ($24 for a taxi from Downtown, $13 for a shared shuttle). “We have a set price to LAX,” says Nwajuaku, “and that price has not changed.”

It’s nice to know that something hasn’t.