Category Archives: Why You Ride

Why You Don't Ride: Bob, West Hollywood

Posted by

‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: Bob
Occupation: Writer
Location: West Hollywood

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

Almost every day for business, errands, or pleasure.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

West Hollywood to Downtown or the Westside.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

One.

How long does your commute typically take?

Depends on the time of day. From 30-60 minutes. Sometimes longer if there is an accident or road construction.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical driving experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I deal with it.

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

Less than $50

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

No.

Why do you drive?

Sometimes I need to arrive by a specific time and the bus is unreliable in this regard.

Continue reading →

Why You Ride: JIM, South Pasadena

Posted by

‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: JIM
Occupation: Research Analyst
Location: South Pasadena

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

I take transit everyday to and from work. I also ride on the weekends to Dodger games, Downtown destinations and other stops off the Gold Line. I often ride Metro buses to run errands during lunch.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

My most common route is from Mission Station in South Pasadena to Union Station via the Gold Line.

What lines/routes do you take?

Gold Line, Bus routes in Downtown LA, DASH B, D and F, and Dodger Stadium Express.

How long does it typically take?

My regular route takes approximately 15 minutes station to station. Including walking my commute is about 25 minutes.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical transit experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I love it!

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

$300 – $500

Why do you take transit?

I take transit because I’m tired of driving, it allows me to do something other than drive during my commute and I enjoy the people watching.

Continue reading →

Why You Ride: Brian M., Echo Park

Posted by

‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: Brian M.
Occupation: Graduate Student
Location: Echo Park

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

2-4 times per week to work.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Echo Park to UCLA.

What lines/routes do you take?

2 or 302.

How long does it typically take?

1.5 hours door to door.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical transit experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I deal with it.

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

Less than $50

Why do you take transit?

To save money and to reduce my environmental impact. I also take the bus when it is raining or too hot to ride my bicycle.

Continue reading →

Why You Don't Ride: Nathan, Venice

Posted by

‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: Nathan
Occupation: Film Industry
Location: Venice

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

I split my time driving or biking/public transit depending on how late I think I might be working or visiting friends across town into the night.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Work and to see friends in Hollywood and Orange County.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

I have one car which runs great, but I’m itching for reasons to get rid of (mostly for the financial benefit as I’d love to put my money elsewhere).

How long does your commute typically take?

By car 20 minutes. By bike or bus 1 hour.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical driving experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I deal with it.

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

$300 – $500

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

Bike and bus. I joined car share and am experimenting living without owning a car.

Why do you drive?

I’ve learned I can deal with public transit going slower, there are other things I can do. I mostly drive because I don’t really like waiting for the bus after dark. Most stops are desolate and poorly lit, so mostly its about convenience and security at night.

Continue reading →

Why You Ride: Eric B., Culver City

Posted by

‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: Eric B.
Occupation: Planner
Location: Culver City

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

Several times a week depending on where I’m going.  I generally choose places to go based on how easy it is to not drive there.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

My most regular trip is taking the bus to meet my carpool for work.  Whenever I don’t bike to work, I go by bus/carpool (1-3 times/week).  My girlfriend also lives on the same bus line.

What lines/routes do you take?

733 on Venice is my main route.  I can’t wait until the Expo Line opens about a mile from my apartment.

How long does it typically take?

30 minutes to Santa Monica, 50 minutes to Downtown LA.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical transit experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I deal with it.

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

$100 – $300

Why do you take transit?

The biggest reason is that I hate driving in traffic.  If I’m on a bus I can read a book or the news.  My dad gave me an iPad a few months ago which has made transit even better.  My commute is ridiculously far, so if I drove it would be about $10/day in gas alone, not to mention car repair.  I’d rather save that money and keep one more car off the 10 Freeway in the morning.

Continue reading →

Why You Don't Ride: A., West L.A.

Posted by

‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: A.
Occupation: Assistant
Location: West L.A.

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

I don’t drive in L.A., I walk.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

n/a

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

1

How long does your commute typically take?

5 minutes walking.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical driving experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I deal with it.

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

Less than $50

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

I walk.

Why do you drive?

When I have to– safety issues as a lone female, to travel long distances (out of town), convenience, saves time.

Continue reading →

Why You Ride: Rach, Mar Vista

Posted by

‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: Rach
Occupation: Retired
Location: Mar Vista

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

Once a month.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Westide to LAX, Pasadena, Universal City and Long Beach.

What lines/routes do you take?

Red line, Gold line, blue line. Big Blue Bus to Santa Monica. Culver City 6 to LAX/UCLA.

How long does it typically take?

An hour.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical transit experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I deal with it.

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

Less than $50

Why do you take transit?

Cheap, don’t have car.

Continue reading →

Why You Don't Ride: Nancy M., Sherman Oaks

Posted by

‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: Nancy M.
Occupation: Web programmer
Location: Sherman Oaks

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

I drive every day to work at the Disney Lot. I also typically visit friends and surf on the Westside on the weekends.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Home to work, and also to swim practice, which is only a mile from where I live. I try to keep most of my business local or buy stuff via the Internet to keep my commute small. I bike when my trips are less than a mile.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

1

How long does your commute typically take?

30 minutes for 10 miles, each way.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical driving experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I hate it. There has to be a better way.

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

$50 – $100

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

I’ve tried taking the 549 Commuter Express, but it stops running super early in the morning. I’ve also attempted to take the Rapid 750 and switch to the 96, but if I miss the 96, it doesn’t come by again for another hour.

Why do you drive?

Unfortunately, it’s still far more convenient than taking the bus.

Continue reading →

Why You Ride: ALW, Wisconsin

Posted by

‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: ALW
Occupation: Retired
Location: Wisconsin

Your Transit Routine:

How often do you take transit and for what purpose?

I use transit to go lots of places while visiting my sister several times a year.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

Long Beach to LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Pasadena.

What lines/routes do you take?

All Metro rail lines, plus bus lines 720, 2, 4, 260, 780, 217, 16, 130 and  several others that I can’t remember the numbers of right now.

How long does it typically take?

Depends where I’m going.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical transit experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I love it!

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

$50 – $100

Why do you take transit?

I’m a public transit freak — I love to ride buses and trains and see where I can get to.

Continue reading →

Why You Don't Ride: KiKa, Harvard Heights

Posted by

‘Why You Ride (or Don’t Ride)‘ is a series where you, our faithful readers, share your transportation routines in L.A. and your thoughts on how to make things better – read more about the concept here.

Want to share your story? Take the survey here if you ride transit regularly, or take this one if you don’t ride.

Who You Are:

Name: KiKa
Occupation: Transit Operations Supervisor
Location: Historical Harvard Heights, West of Downtown L.A.

Your Transportation Routine:

How often do you drive and for what purpose?

At minimum I drive 5 days a week.  I commute to and from work (Downtown L.A.) and run errands.

Where are you typically traveling from and going to?

I typically travel from my home to work, Monday-Friday and back.  On my way home is when I run errands – at least once or twice a week.

How many vehicles do you or your family have?

We are a household of 6 and between us all we have 4 vehicles.  On a daily basis 3 of the 4 vehicles are used.  Three of us drive daily and the other 3 commute by bus, daily.

How long does your commute typically take?

From my front door to walking into my building at work takes approximately 13 minutes; 10 of the 13 minutes are actual drive time.

Briefly, how would you describe your typical driving experience? Love it, deal with it, or hate it?

I love it!

On average, what do you spend each month on transportation?

$50 – $100

Do you use any forms of alternative transportation?

Once in a while I will carpool with my husband who works 1 mile away from where I work.  I’ve been known to jump on the bus from time to time, but not to get to work.

Why do you drive?

Driving for me is extremely convenient especially when I shop for groceries on my way home from work.

Continue reading →