The world’s greatest car city, Los Angeles, is notorious for its insufferable traffic. Only 7.6% of households in the Greater Los Angeles area do not have access to a vehicle according to a 2021 car ownership statistic. So, more than three-quarters of the locals drive themselves around, and, because of this, traffic offenses are not scarce. Almost a quarter of the DUI arrests in California took place in Los Angeles County. However, one does not have to put up with LA traffic woes because the public transport is extensive and cheap while saving you from the responsibilities of owning a vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost?
Los Angeles offers a range of public transport options, from taxis and car rentals from various services to buses and trains mainly provided by the LA Metro. The LA Metro is very affordable, with rates beginning at $1.75 for a one-way ticket. Alternatively, you can buy a $ seven-day pass or a $25 seven-day pass. It is perfect for those traveling on a budget and is payable simply by a TAP card purchased from a TAP card vending machine at your nearest Metro rail or Metro Orange line stations. TAP is a reusable plastic card that you can load money for all your metro traveling. You have the option of purchasing daily, weekly, or monthly passes. These can be cheaper than paying for one-way individual rides.
Using the Bus and Railway
The LA Metro offers free art tours, this may be favorable to art lovers and tourists. If you want to view LA as a whole, multiple services offer helicopter tours. Be careful that your body weight does not exceed 280 pounds if you are interested in helicopter tours. If you exceed the weight limit, do not worry, Los Angeles has a plethora of city tours available by bus. Metro operates a network of over 200 bus lines. Bus stops are all over the city. You are always five to ten minutes away from a bus stop, according to various reviews.
There are four kinds of bus services:
- Metro Express buses that stop along freeways
- Metro Rapid buses have precedence at traffic lights due to special transponders
- Metro Local buses that have stops mainly on major roads
- Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses that connect large areas
The LA Metro has two kinds of trains: the light rail, which travels primarily above ground, and the heavy rail which travels underground. The Metro bus stations and rail stations provide connections to each other, so switching between the two is easy. The Transit app helps you find the nearest bus stop and is a good resource for figuring out which form of transport would be the quickest to reach your destination.
Rentals and Alternative Transport
Los Angeles boasts good weather and scenery wherever you are, so why not rent a bicycle or a scooter to enjoy it on your way to your destination? Santa Monica and Venice beach are where you would find the most scooter and bike shares, as well as great environments to ride them. Despite the notorious traffic, many areas in LA have great walkability scores, such as Central Hollywood and Koreatown, so they are ideal for bicycles. The best way to move around LA for leisure is by car, you can rent one for $20-$40 at any of the multiple car rentals across the city. You could also travel by motorcycle. California is leading as the state with the most motorcycle registrations, followed by Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio.
At the end of the day you can be part of LA lifestyle, whether you want to save time and money by using public transport or you would rather drive your car and endure endless traffic than walk, the choice is yours to make.
