Los Angeles Travel Forum

Hi

I'm starting at job near west century blvd at aviation, near LAX shortly.
I'm going to be without a car for the first weeks, so need to set up residence somewhere with the best public transport links.

Was thinking of moving out to Redondo Beach & taking the Metro through.
Is this the best move?
Any other ideas??

I've heard a few horror stories about the reliability of public transport in LA. So any suggestions would really help me out.

thanks,
L

The rumors are generally true. The public transportation system in LA is not the most thorough or reliable. But in a pinch it gets you where you need to go. I would stick in the Redondo beach area, the metro line is one of the newest forms of transportation in LA (and much more reliable than MTA). Short of that, I'd also invest in a bike, that can help get you around as well. The area you'll be in is relatively flat, so if you stick to side streets (i.e. not Sepulveda or Aviation) you can get around fairly well and safely on a bike, and that can help bridge the distance between bus/metro stops. But, sadly, you'll need to get a car eventually.

Good luck!

The train system is better than the bus. But I also have a friend in LA who relies on the latter to get to work Downtown and seems to really like it.
It really depends on both your residence's proximity to the Redondo station and your workplace's proximity to a station. Transferring to a bus is where your frustrations will come in.
The LAX isn't great, but isn't terrible either, so it shouldn't be an issue walking around. All dependent upon specifics though.
Redondo is a relatively expensive area to live in but is, for the most part, totally safe.

I would also say that if you are a woman, you might want to really think this through as the public transporation system here can be a little dicey for women. I took the bus in fairly good areas for a couple of years when I first moved here and had some very strange experiences--men dropping their numbers in my lap, one pulled my hair once, even the bus driver made some inappropriate comments. If it's only for a few weeks, you'll probably be ok, but just keep in mind that if you're used to taking public transportation in another city, it will probably be a different experience here.

If your job is near the Aviation Station, and you live near the Redondo stop, you're golden(and make it very close, as some blocks in LA are VERY long).

The trains are reliable...it's the buses that are not.

Like any major city, yes, use caution at night. Just ride the front car where there is a driver.

Then, eventually, get a car. Redondo to Aviation will suit your job needs perfectly, but will get you nowhere else via transit.