The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority, more commonly known as Metro, is running a a mock-pageant to crown “Miss Traffic.” The title, a play on words regarding mass transit’s advantage over car-travel, did not rule out male contestants. The finalists, however, are all women.
As MetroRiderLA describes the challengers for the crown:
- Stefanie Perez: Looks 10 years younger thanks to Metro. Her voice makes her sound even younger than that.
- Roz Brown: She’s been going Metro for over 20 years and raised a child on Metro. She’s also got a rad side ponytail.
- Sharon Butler: She likes the peace and quiet the Metro offers. The zen candidate. Sassy.
Finalists get to tell the world, in video format (linked above in the contestants’ names and on YouTube) about their history riding the Metro, what the advantages of mass transit are, and why they’d make good representatives. And what, pray tell, does the winner take home? A Metro T-shirt, a chintzy tiara, a sash, and a bouquet. Oh, and of course the priceless title of “Miss Traffic.”
Ms. Perez is currently running away with the race, which ends on March 30th. Fret not, there’s plenty of time to cast your vote and make your voice heard!
Do you get the feeling that the fight for promoting mass transit in the U.S. vs. the advertising blitz carried out by the auto and oil industries is a bit lopsided? And this is coming from Metro, the third largest transit agency in the country.
A recent ad campaign for Metro Madrid reveals that this unfair fight, thankfully, isn’t a global phenomenon.
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