We Sold Our Cars and Now Use Public Transportation
Although the cars were paid for, it would have cost us about $300 a month in insurance, fuel and maintenance just to keep them and drive them. My wife and I are retired, and other than shopping, errands and doctor visits, we don't really need to go anywhere every day. We like to travel, but usually fly and just call a taxi or airport shuttle to take us to airport.
We have been here for six months car-free and haven't missed them at all. We are lucky to live in West Hollywood, where many of the things we need are right in our neighborhood, within walking distance. The grocery store, restaurants, shops, hair salon, all kinds of things are already right here.
We take the bus and subway when possible, mainly the subway system. The system is rather limited to where it goes, but if you happen to need to go where it serves, it's a great option. We take the subway to downtown Los Angeles and Union Station and the the Gold Line to visit Pasadena. The Gold Line is an elevated, above ground train system, part of the Southern California MTA network. There is a strong network between Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles and Universal City in the Valley. The Valley also has a high-speed Orange Line bus.
As seniors, we get a monthly pass that allows us to ride all the buses and subways and trains in Los Angeles for only $14.00. Non-seniors can buy the pass for $75., students pay $22. Another great value in Los Angeles is the day pass, for only $6.00, it allows unlimited rides on buses, trains and subways. Since one subway or bus ride is $1.25, it's a good bargain.
West Hollywood also has many transportation options for people without cars. They have a little bus system, and a great free program Dial-A-Ride for seniors and disabled people.
For weekend trips, we simply rent a car. With the money we save each month in payments, gas, insurance, maintenance, etc., we can afford to. We check around and compare prices and can usually get a nice full-size car for about $29.99 a day, with discounts. We like Budget and usually use one of their local offices.
More from this contributor:
Published by Ted Sherman - Featured Contributor in Business & Finance
Navy service WWII and Korea, BFA, MA. Retired, experience: exec. speechwriter, advertising, sales promotion, PR, graphic art, photography, travel and humor writing. Follow me: @travel4seniors, Editor of tra... View profile
- Hotel Review: Sheraton Hotel - Downtown Los AngelesThis hotel is perfect for those who are seeking a nice and relaxing weekend in Downtown Los Angeles.
- Original Pantry Cafe, a Downtown Los Angeles InstitutionThe Original Pantry Café is a downtown Los Angeles institution, serving American food at its best 24/7.
LA Cafe 24 Hour in Downtown Los Angeles - ReviewA great little restaurant, in the heart of the Old Bank District in Downtown Los Angeles, featuring quality ingredients, lovingly prepared- Visiting Downtown Los Angeles, CADowntown Los Angeles is not just about glass and steel skyscrapers and economic activity. It's also a vibrant center that's rich in culture, history and art.
A Few Hot Spots in Downtown Los AngelesA look at a few of the best bars/clubs in Downtown Los Angeles. My take on the can't miss places sure to please any party-goer or tourist.
- Living in Alaska
- Los Angeles without a Car: Survival Tips for those with a Limited Budget
- Downtown Los Angeles Skyscraper Explosion
- First Annual LA Craft Beer Crawl in Historic Downtown, Los Angeles (2010)
- Review of the Seven Grand Bar in Downtown Los Angeles
- Restaurant Review - Bottega Louie in Downtown Los Angeles
- Walking in Downtown Los Angeles