A popular social media interview series has found a new setting in Los Angeles, swapping the bustling subways of New York City for the city's infamous freeway congestion. The parody, titled "Transit Takes," adapts the format of the Emmy-nominated "SubwayTakes" to capture the unique commuting experience in Southern California.
Instead of interviewing passengers between subway stops, interviewer Chris Tcholakian leans into open car windows to speak with people stuck in traffic. Drivers share distinctly Los Angeles-centric observations, including frustrations with how quickly people forget how to drive when it rains.
The sketch also humorously addresses the city's public transportation challenges. It pokes fun at the Orange Line, the concept of making "transfers" on the Metro system, and the extensive construction on the recently expanded D Line, referencing its multi-billion dollar, decades-long project. The sprawling nature of Los Angeles is highlighted by comparing commutes, such as traveling from Silver Lake to Mid-Wilshire, to New York City distances.
"Transit Takes" riffs on issues like unreliable train arrival times and long-standing transportation planning challenges. The segment includes a comedic moment where Tcholakian urges a driver to take an alleyway, only to be shouted down by another motorist.
The parody has generated online reactions, with viewers engaging with the observations about Los Angeles life. The series aims to translate the energetic spirit of New York's subway culture into a relatable Los Angeles context.