Some of you know that I have been experimenting with using the public transportation system in Los Angeles. Now before you make your "do you speak Spanish?" jokes and your snide "aren't you afraid of catching head lice?" remarks, I must tell you that after a trial month, I'm very pleasantly surprised with the results so far.
Have you seen the film An Inconvenient Truth? Everyone needs to see this Oscar-winning film, but more importantly, everyone needs to do something towards solving the global climate crisis. As an educator, I felt a personal responsibility to serve as a role model for the young people who learn from me. Since I live only a block from the bus stop, I decided to try commuting to work on the bus.
At first I had reservations about it: how often does the bus come? Will it be on-time? How many times will I have to transfer lines? Will the bus ride fit my schedule? All my worries proved unnecessary. The bus ride takes only a few minutes longer than driving and the bus stops right in front of my work place. I don't have to deal with traffic, parking, or the rising cost of gasoline (we're up to $3 a gallon again). And best of all, I have at least an hour a day to myself when I can catch up on my reading, take a nap, or just space out for a while. It's been great!
It has also increased my physical activity since I have to walk to the bus stop. I take a slightly alternate route on the way back which includes a longer walk -- about 8 blocks -- to my apartment. I've even experimented by getting off a few blocks earlier to increase the walking distance for more exercise. Now I can walk a brisk mile or two without even breaking a sweat. It's really an enjoyable lifestyle. Besides the work commute, I've used the bus to go shopping, run errands, even to go the opera downtown. And I've seen a lot more of my neighborhood and my city than I ever did driving a car.
They say that nobody walks in LA, and that even fewer people ride the bus. What they mean is no white people take the bus. That's simply not true on either account. I've seen the complete range of nationalities, age, and social classes on the public transportation system, and more and more people are choosing an environmentally responsible approach to their daily transportation and leaving the traffic headaches behind. If you're going to sit for an hour in a slowly moving vehicle, wouldn't you rather leave the driving to someone else?
Los Angeles recently earned an award for Outstanding Public Transportation System, and though I was skeptical at first, I'm not now. This system works and it's the right thing to do. Once people realize the benefits to society, the environment, and personal health, I think this city will change its reputation as the smog and car capital of the world. Go Metro!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
The bus is underrated in Los Angeles. My excuse to use my car is that I don't want to wait at a bus stop at night and get mugged. But here's what happens- I drive home, can't find anywhere to park nearby, and end up walking home in the dark, where I'm MORE likely to get mugged than if I took the bus. Whoops.
More power to you!
"They say that nobody walks in LA, and that even fewer people ride the bus. What they mean is no white people take the bus. That's simply not true on either account. I've seen the complete range of nationalities, age, and social classes on the public transportation system"....all I caninvision is teh movie "Speed" when Sandra Bullock gets on the bus and they literally have everyone represented almost down to the American Indian in full head-dress.
A bit reminiscent of the Village People. But seriously...you and I have talked about this and Good For You! I think it's wonderful!
Post a Comment