February 14: This Date in Los Angeles Transportation History

1995:  Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority introduces three new mascots to help spread an anti-graffiti and vandalism message to school children as part of the “Take Pride & Stop Tag” program.

Papa Bus, Mama Bus and Baby Bus made their debut before an audience of Edison elementary School students at Long Beach Bus Division 12 where the idea of having bus family family mascots was born.

More information can be found in the February 14, 1995 Metro Press Release and the March, 1995 issue of the MTA Review employee news magazine.

 

 

2014:  “Jamzilla,” the planned 80-hour closure of Interstate 405 through the Sepulveda Pass for paving, gets underway.

The February 14-18 closure is more complex and time-consuming than the epic “Carmageddon” closures for bridge demolitions in 2011 and 2012.

More information can be found in the January 14, 2014 Metro Press Release and the January 29, 2014 Metro Press Release. and the February 14, 2014 post on Metro’s The Source.