WHO RIDES THE BUS?

Even transit officials acknowledge that Californians have a love affair with their cars. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s studies show that its most frequent bus passengers tend to be those without wheels of their own.

Ethnic minorities and low-income people make up a majority of the ridership. So do women--according to the MTA, 57.3% of bus riders in Los Angeles County are female, compared to 53.4% of the county population.

Here’s a look at some other demographics:

HOUSEHOLD INCOME

MTA Riders Under $15,000: 61.5% $15,000-$30,000: 23.2% $31,000-$50,000 10.4% Over $50,000 4.9%

Overall L.A. County Population Under $15,000: 21.4% $15,000-$30,000: 24.8% $31,000-$50,000: 25.2% Over $50,000: 28.6%

AUTOS IN HOUSEHOLD

MTA Riders No cars: 51% 1 car: 30.7% 2 cars: 13.1% 3 or more: 5.2%

Overall L.A. County Population No cars: 11% 1 car: 35.9% 2 cars: 33.2% 3 or more: 19.9%

ETHNICITY

MTA Riders Latino: 46.7% Black: 22.7% White: 19.1% Other (Includes Native American): 3%

Overall L.A. County Population Latino: 36.4% Black: 11.2% White: 40.8% Other (Includes Native American): 0.7%

AGE

MTA Riders Under 18: 13.9% 19-29: 27.1% 30-39: 23.7% 40-49: 15.5% 50 and over: 19.7%

Overall L.A. County Population Under 18: 27.7% 19-29: 20.9% 30-39: 17.9% 40-49: 12.1% 50 and over: 21.3%

Source: Metropolitan Transportation Authority