Going the Distance: Exploring the Best Public Transportation Options in the City
Los Angeles is feeling the heat and we’re not talking about the weather. Between the worker and the ongoing writer strikes, even Taylor Swift was asked over the Summer to hold off her Eras Tour in LA due to the hotel strike.
These events have left many people without work and struggling to make ends meet. Especially when every dollar saved is a step towards financial stability. One way to save money is to use public transportation. It’s the perfect solution to ease the burden and pave the way for a brighter, more cost-effective future.
That’s why in this blog, we’ll explore the best ways to navigate LA’s efficient
public and alternative transportation options. Discover how to master your urban commute without breaking the bank, and understand the benefits of car-free living for you and your community.
Embracing Car-Free Living:
Imagine you need to travel across the city to meet a friend for lunch. Instead of dealing with bumper-to-bumper traffic and looking for parking (that feels like looking for a needle in a haystack), you can simply relax on the train or bus. You can rely on alternative modes of transportation such as bike commuting, electric scooters, and ride-sharing services as your new set of wheels.
The cherry on top is that a car-free lifestyle is budget-friendly, beneficial for your health with those added steps, and favorable for the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.
Benefits of Public Transportation:
There are many financial advantages to using public transportation, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
Cost Savings: 16 cents of every dollar goes to transportation for a typical 2-car household, with 93% going to car maintenance- Parking Savings: If you live downtown, no more paying $25.00 to $525.00 per month for parking
- Gas Savings: The average gas price is $5.43. Choosing not to own a car can save you up to $65.16 to $81.45 per full tank fill-up
- Insurance Savings: $2,377 per year for not needing car insurance
- Overall Savings: On average, $10,000 per year
Health Benefits of Public Transportation:
Increase Physical Activity: Without a car, you by default increase your step count. Walking is known to improve your mood, and heart health, strengthen your bones, and more- Less Stress: No pressure of owning or driving a car and you can enjoy the ride more
- Breathe Better: Not using a car not only reduces emissions but improves the air quality
Navigating Bike Commuting:
Cruising around Los Angeles on a bike is not only enjoyable but also incredibly convenient. The best part? You don't even need to own a bike.
Thanks to accessible e-bike-sharing services like
Lime,
Bird, and
Metro Bike, you can effortlessly locate available bikes via your smartphone to rent.
Bike commuting has many benefits because each time you hop on, you’re improving your health by working out to your next location. It also is a low-cost way to get around, owning and operating a bike costs on average,
$350 per year.
Electric Scooters: Fun and Eco-Friendly:
There’s nothing more fun and exciting than zipping across L.A. on an e-scooter. Not only is it another convenient mode of transportation, they’re a sustainable mobility solution!
Here are a few electric scooter brands to check out:
Ride-Sharing:
As much as trying to balance on two wheels with the thrill of the wind blowing in your face and through your hair can be exciting. Sometimes you need the convenience of ride-sharing. It’s the next best thing, for a cost-effective and safer way to zoom from point A to B (or C).
Here are a few ride-sharing companies to check out:
An example of savings over traditional taxi services:
Taxi fares in Los Angeles:- $2.85 for the first 1/9 of a mile
- 30 cents for each additional 1/9 mile
- 30 cents for every 37 seconds of wait time
- UberX fares in Los Angeles:
- No base fare
- 28 cents per minute
- 80 cents per mile
- $2.30 booking fee
For your safety when catching a ride, let a close one know where you’re going at all times and double-check your ride-share app details match before jumping in the car. For more information, Lyft and Uber share their safety standards and features.
Supporting the Environment:
Embracing a car-less lifestyle contributes to making Los Angeles a greener and more sustainable city, positively impacting the environment in three key ways:
Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A 10-30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.- Cleaner environment: Less reliance on cars leads to a cleaner and healthier urban environment. It reduces air pollution, noise pollution, and the use of harmful chemicals associated with car maintenance.
- Sustainable City Development: Fewer cars on the road mean less need for extensive road networks and infrastructure development.
Embracing the car-less lifestyle is a great way to not break the bank or have an empty
Travolta wallet moment. With so many options to select from, from
LA Metro to ride-sharing, it is easier than ever to reduce your environmental impact and embrace a car-free living while being connected to all of L.A.
So what are you waiting for?
And while you're out and about exploring LA through public transit, stop at one of our many buildings where we have units available for rent! Whether it's for just you, you and a furry friend, or a roommate,
Urban LA Living has an apartment for you.
