Getting Around Los Angeles Without a Car

Believe it or not, it really is not that difficult to get around Los Angeles without a car.  I am living proof.

When we take our cars in for service, or body work or whatever in Los Angeles we almost always arrange for a ride, rent a car or, if we go to a dealership, get a loaner.  Take a bus?  What!  And heaven forbid we should consider walking.

Yesterday I took my car in for body work and was going to rent one for the two days it would take.  Then I thought I would see how I could survive two days without one.

The body shop is 3 blocks from my home.  I walked.

Lunchtime I walked the 8 blocks to the coffee shop where I usually spend my lunch hours with my computer.  And I walked the 8 blocks back.  No rides for me.

I didn’t anticipate needing  to show any properties over the two days, but I ended up having to.  Panic set in.  But I calmed down and went to the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority website and used their Trip Planner to get bus routes and times.  I walked the two blocks to the bus which arrived 2 minutes later exactly on time, and I caught my connection.  Be aware that you have to have exact change as none is given.  I overpaid for my trip by $0.60.  Also, don’t expect friendly, warm and fuzzy drivers, although maybe I was unlucky.

Don’t worry about the fact that a shocked friend might scream at you for not calling them to drive you, and then run over to where you are to pick you up and drive you back.  They are unenlightened.  There is a great public transit system in L.A. that can get you wherever you want to go.  No more car rentals for me.ur Los Angeles real estate needs, don’t hesitate to fill out the contact form or give me a call at 310-473-6919.

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4 thoughts on “Getting Around Los Angeles Without a Car”

  1. Jane,
    I couldn’t agree with you more. I live in Malibu and have an office in downtown Santa Monica. If I don’t have to carry a lot a lot of stuff I try to take the bus whenever possible. There are multiple benefits to this: I save on gas and auto wear and tear; with my smartphone on the bus I catch up on e-mails and news; I get exercise at either end of my ride walking to/from home to/from office; I free up parking space in office in Santa Monica for others to use, and because I am over 62 and I generally travel off peak hours (9:00 a.m.and 7:00 p.m.) the ride costs only 25 cents! On peak time is only 55 cents.

    1. That is a commute, John. But when PCH is jammed up you can walk up and down the bus for exercise too. I think it is great that you use the bus. If I were going back and forth to the same place I might consider it too.

  2. This is a very interesting story, and I can understand how busy areas like yours can make riding a bus or even walking practical. One advantage you have compared to most of us on the east coast is the weather. We have a lot more rain and cold than you, and it’s just not a lot of fun waiting for a bus or walking to the bus stop in a serious rain storm. One of the many advantage of L.A. Great story Jane.

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