Los Angeles, USA
Get around Los Angeles
Los Angeles’ massive sprawl and dysfunctional public transportation makes getting around rather painful, especially during weekends where service can be more erratic. The only rational way of getting around is to rent a car, in which case you’ll get a crash course in the complex freeway system and, if you’re lucky, a taste of the notorious traffic jams.
By bus
The L.A. bus system is extensive but slow. Many Angelenos rely on the bus as their primary mode of transportation. Within the central area (from Downtown to the coast, below Sunset Blvd and above Interstate 10) the buses are frequent and ubiquitous enough to get around without a schedule. The drawback is that they are stuck in traffic just like cars. This means you may experience delays waiting for a bus, but during the morning and afternoon hours bus travel is only slightly slower than car travel once you board. The best routes for getting across town (east-west) are the #2 or #302(limited) on Sunset Blvd, #720 “Rapid” express service on Wilshire Blvd, and #33 or #333(limited) on Venice Boulevard. Be sure to check night schedules; bus service (but not rail service) runs 24 hours but many routes change and have extremely reduced frequency in the late hours. Fares are currently $1.25 per boarding (no transfers) or $3.00 for a day pass (also good on Metro Rail); you can buy both from any Metro station or Metro bus driver. Bring a street map, as MTA buses sometimes change their routes unpredictably in order to make up lost time.
By rail
The Metro Rail subway and light-rail system has grown considerably over the past 15 years and is increasingly useful in getting around. A single trip fare good for one direction and 1 line costs $1.25 and can be purchased from the vending machines at the stations. Alternatively, you can avail of a $3/day pass (good until 3AM), a $14/week pass or $52/month pass which allows unlimited access. The 1-day pass can be purchased through the vending machines or the buses, while passes for longer durations can be obtained from Metro Customer Centers scattered around the city or on the MTA website. Be aware that the light rail system stops at 1AM and starts again at 4AM.
Rail lines were designed with commuters in mind, so tourists may find the five line route structure to be a bit bizarre, with many popular tourist destinations requiring multiple transfers, and often involving buses. For example, a twenty-five mile trip from Pasadena to LAX airport involves travel on four lines and a shuttle bus and takes well over two hours. For other routes the subway can be a good option with travel from North Hollywood to Long Beach possible in about 45 minutes. Additionally, despite its shortfalls, public transportation is often preferable to the gridlock that occurs on LA-area streets and highways.
The rail is operated by the same agency as the bus system, so their maps include the rail lines. The fare structure is also the same as for the bus system. The Metro works on a ‘trust’ system: you buy your tickets from machines, then get on and ride… no turnstiles, no barriers. However, do not even think about entering the system without a valid ticket or pass; Metro police are part of the L.A. Sheriff’s Department who randomly check for valid tickets on the trains or platforms, and the penalty for not being able to show a valid ticket is $250 and up to 48 hours of community service. If you ride several times chances are you will be asked to show your ticket at least once. Be careful – if your trip involves more than one line, you have to either buy separate tickets for each line or use the Day Pass.
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