Convincing Los Angeles Residents to Choose Public Transportation

Los Angeles, a city famous for its sprawling geography and reliance on personal vehicles, faces unique challenges when it comes to promoting public transportation. Despite the daily struggles of commute traffic on highways like the 405, many residents remain skeptical or hesitate to use public transit. In this article, we explore the factors that might persuade more Los Angeles residents to embrace public transportation.

Convenience and Cost

Convenience: My experience living in Mt Washington, which involved a daily commute to downtown using public transportation, provided a perfect example of the convenience it can offer. For about 1/2 mile, I walked from my home to the Gold Line station, changed to the Red Line at Union Station, and walked another 1/2 mile to work. Unless it was raining, I preferred this method over paying $15 per day for parking. In Los Angeles, convenience can be a strong motivator. Whether it’s the time saved by avoiding gridlock or the cost savings from not needing a car, these factors significantly influence a person's decision to use public transportation.

Addressing the “Last Mile” Challenge

Last Mile Problem: The key obstacle in many urban areas, including Los Angeles, is the “last mile” challenge—the distance between public transportation hubs and actual destinations. People often find it uncomfortable or unsafe to walk long distances, especially with young children or large shipments of groceries. This is why busses being considered low-class in LA is a significant deterrent. Public transportation must not only connect us to major hubs but also provide easy and reliable access to our final destinations.

Enhancing Safety and Cleanliness

Safety and Cleanliness: The safety and cleanliness of public transportation are crucial considerations for any city. According to my experiences, the bus system in Los Angeles is plagued by frequent attacks and a high level of dirtiness. Even as someone who has used public transportation globally, Los Angeles’s buses and stations have a cleanliness standard that makes them difficult to recommend. An improvement in security presence and maintenance could greatly enhance the public perception of these modes of transport.

Motivational Factors for Change

Role Models and Politicians: While there are no perfect examples of Los Angeles residents using public transportation consistently, the behavior of prominent figures could inspire change. If politicians and celebrities who tout the benefits of public transportation were to lead by example, it would greatly influence the public. For instance, if political leaders and wealthy individuals like Jack Dorsey, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), or billionaires such as Elon Musk, Jack Ma, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos were to walk to the bus stop or take the bus regularly, it would create a significant wave of public enthusiasm.

Conclusion and Call to Action

In conclusion, while the city has made significant strides in improving public transportation, there is much work to be done. As residents, we expect politicians and public figures to embody the values they espouse. If those in leadership positions were to take public transportation more regularly, it would not only enhance the perception of public transit but also provide a substantial example for the rest of the population. Let us see our leaders walk the talk, and collectively, we can reshape Los Angeles into a city where public transportation is an integral and preferred mode of travel.