(Parked 12/19/16 M @ 9:00am): Get in line for your fill at this golden station whether it be for parking or taking a ride!
I found myself at the Fillmore Gold Line Station as the meeting point for a FREE bus shuttle ride for a recent event, the "YEE: San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino". This was my first time here and was absolutely unaware of this station. Finally, I began using the Metro on a regular basis, so I was very much a virgin of the many stops. Although I simply parked here this time, would this introduction somehow lead me back for more!?:
Sandwiched between Raymond Ave. and the 110 S. Arroyo Parkway, vehicle entrance was available on Raymond Ave. only. The closest main throughfare was Fair Oaks Ave. a mere two blocks away. Along Raymond Ave. was the onsite Lovebirds Café & Bakery for a drink coffee, pastry, or smoothie fix, across the street was Jones Coffee Roasters for caffeine fiends, and Pie Life Pizza for a heartier meal...just to name a few. Across the tracks along the 110 S. Arroyo Parkway was Gotta Java for more caffeine addicts, My Vegan for some healthy fare, and Sushi Ichi for raw fish...also just to name a few. Hop on and explore eastward towards Azusa, or take it into Union Station in Downtown L.A. to continue towards East L.A. or transfer to either the Purple or Red (the Blue and Green Lines, respectively, connected from the Purple/Red Lines) Lines which took you to various parts around Los Angeles county https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=5-d384Roi4MwWvz1-URW9Q&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw.
Service - Ummm...you pulled up to the ticket machine, selected either "public parking" or used your TAP card for "Metro", found a spot (there was another driveway arm on Levels 4-5 for Metro users that required a TAP card to pass through), either took the elevator or stairs to the ground floor, and off you went on your way. When you returned, you did the exact reverse. But in the case of non-Metro users, you paid before you exited the structure. Easy-peasy!
Parking (Varied; $12.00 All-Day this instance) - This was a five-story structure where Levels 1-3 were for public parking (240 spaces; $12.00 maximum) and Levels 4-5 were for the Metro (160 spaces; FREE). Conveniently, there was an electronic sign that showed how many Metro parking spots were available. Sadly, I left my TAP card at home and was stuck with being charged. I noticed a nearby pay lot that "quoted $5.00" but unsure for how long. And, it appeared there may've been other parking options in the area. But I basically said "eff it" and bit the bullet. Lesson learned for the next time...
Atmosphere, décor, ambience - A tall spacious metal covered structure with viewpoints from every level and plenty of both natural and electric lighting guided you through. The station itself was an above-ground track that ran between the backside of businesses, had covered waiting areas on the platform, and was in very close proximity to a couple places for a quick drink or snack. There were no TVs (except for schedule monitors) nor background music (the whiz of the train was rather melodic).
Attire - Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the Fillmore Gold Line Station with its relative proximity to a few places I frequented, as well as others I wouldn't mind trying. Its location was a healthy walking distance to the Huntington Memorial Hospital and other medical facilities, so this was an ideal spot for commuters who worked in the area. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $12.00; no tipping required). And, they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more