In response to a dramatic shift in how the public gets information, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) introduced a new real-time online transportation news and feature service on its Website called The Source.

With contributors including Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Steve Hymon and car-less in L.A. blogger Frederick Dennstedt a.k.a. Fred Camino, The Source is updated throughout the day with key developments and unique viewpoints that will help the public keep tabs on what's being done to keep L.A. County moving and how taxpayers' transit sales tax dollars are being spent.

The Source will showcase a steady stream of real time news about Metro and critical transportation issues as well as feature stories packaged with video, photos and other compelling visuals, according to the agency.

There are fewer reporters covering Metro as newspapers and electronic media cut back and that has created an information vacuum at a time when the public, more than ever, needs to be both informed and engaged in what's happening with Measure R, the new half cent sales tax measure approved by county voters last fall, Metro's Long Range Transportation Plan, federal stimulus funds, high speed rail, the Metro Gold Line Eastside Extension opening, congestion relief efforts on the highways, state and federal legislative developments and other important projects and programs.

The Source will be frequently updated with breaking news and Metro system service alerts. There also will be some posts in Spanish plus car-less lifestyle features, visuals and interactive elements, supported by Metro staff and credible freelance journalists with transportation expertise who can explain and lend context to complex transportation issues.