Los Angeles is known for a lot of things, but public transportation is not one of them, nevertheless the growing transit system is getting people out of their cars and away from the gas pumps.
According to the American Public Transportation Association, transit ridership in L.A. increased in 2007. Considering the fact that living as an Angeleno usually means supporting the cost of a vehicle, the rise in ridership is a great thing. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is currently working on expanding the transit system, giving Angelenos a chance to think outside the car.
With gas prices only going up, incorporating the way of the rail is practical and can be very convenient. I used to prefer maneuvering through the geographically challenged city on my own until I went Metro.
It is hard to deny the campaigns posted around the city. They beckon to the many skeptics who have not yet discovered the perks of L.A. public transportation. Rather than highway robbery at your local gas station, indulge in a Metro Daily Pass. For $5 you can hop on board any Red (subway), Gold, Green or Blue (trolleys) line, to name a few.
Via Metro.net, you can plan your trip from destination A to B and C to F if you are up for it. The site is also great with letting you know how much you save in gasoline expenses.
Since 1990, Metro has been expanding their light and heavy rail modes of transportation. It has been a steady growth and its success has turned skeptics into loyal passengers.
For those who are still not convinced, public transit in L.A. does exist and depending on your destination, it can be very convenient. Stations are popping up at local hotspots and they are still expanding. Among transit locales are Universal Citywalk, the Hollywood and Highland Complex, Staples Center, Old Town Pasadena and Long Beach. No matter where you plan to be, Metro can take you there at almost half the cost of your gas expenditures. Some employers are even allowing employees to expense the cost of monthly passes, encouraging the use of public modes of transportation.
It is no secret that scooting around L.A. can take longer than a New York minute, but hopping on the Metro sure alleviates sitting in traffic wasting gas. With eco-friendly activities making their way to the scene, make public transit your new vice. Most riders participate in park and ride programs where patrons can park their car or bike at one of a few parking-friendly stations and hop on the train. Rules and restrictions regarding boarding with your bike are listed on Metro.net, along with other tips and answers.
L.A’s rail system is on the up and up and Angelinos now is the time to explore. We are no longer being deprived of the finer things in life like the luxury of not having to drive everywhere. Though destinations are still quite limited, going completely Metro in the future is definitely a possibility.
As we all wait for that glorious day, save some gas, leave the road rage behind and indulge in a new experience.
