Simple Tip #11

Simple Tip #11: Public Transportation

I know, I know. L.A's public transportation has never really had the best reputation. You want to avoid the buses and the subway doesn't run all over like in other cities (I'm looking at you, New York). But really, you shouldn't underestimate it. What happens when you have no way of getting somewhere? What if you don't have a car and your bike has a flat? Well, that's when the bus or subway becomes useful.

First off, the bus. I usually take the Big Blue Bus down into Santa Monica. It's not hard to find the right line and it only costs .50 cents a ride. That's a deal and certainly cheaper than paying 80 dollars a week for gas. The best tip when riding the bus is, of course, knowing your stop and sitting either in the back or the center of the bus. Why do I say this? Well, if you sit in the front, chances are there will be the irritating person in the wheelchair that decides to strap themselves in on the side everyone is sitting on instead of the other empty side of the bus. But if you sit in the back, you have to remember to move when you get to your spot.

The metro bus is also a great option if you really need to get somewhere. They make as few stops as possible, which is great. A bus from the Westside to Downtown only takes about 30 to 40 minutes depending on where you are. The only set back is, because its a lot faster, it costs a little more to ride. It's about 1.25 to ride, so its better to leave riding the metro if you're going somewhere far, not a couple stops over.

The subway system in Los Angeles isn't very extensive. It currently runs to major points starting in Downtown L.A. at Union Station to Long Beach, North Hollywood, East L.A, South Central, and the South Bay. A proposed Westside line is under construction. Fares are 1.50 per ticket to 75 dollars for a monthly pass.

Regardless of what's said about L.A's transportation, it is highly useful when it needs to be. So if you want to avoid a car, try the bus or subway!