Life in Los Angeles
Five days of carlessness
25 September 2009
As you may recall, I turned in my old car on Monday. I’m getting another car Saturday morning, leaving me with five days of carlessness in between. In LA.
A few observations:
- It’s been pretty damn hot this week. Much sweating, much swearing.
- I’m glad I had a free 5-day pass, one that they give out pretty liberally to people new to town.
- Boardings: subway, 2; bus, 17.
- Walking: too much given No. 1 above. But it’s good for me, so no biggie.
- Rides mooched: 1.
- Meetings late to: 1. Meetings missed: 2.
It’s the last one that’s the killer. And ultimately unacceptable. You have to allot too much time for early or late buses, is what it comes down to. And sometimes you have to wait in full sun. And those GD motorcycle drivers are such D-bags. And you have to pay close attention the entire time you’re waiting for a bus, keeping an eye for the next bus; those MFers will drive right past you otherwise. It’s just not right.
Sure, some routes are easy-peasy, maybe even easier than riding a car, especially if it involves only the subway, but the pricing scheme in LA is too steep — transfers are not free! Too steep except for long-term passes, so the system discourages casual use. Another huge problem. If I could change the world….