As a college student at UCLA, going out is inescapable. You’re bound to get tired of that 30 minute walk to Westwood. Luckily, there are numerous alternatives to help you travel around LA without a car. Here is a guide to exploring different options for transportation to allow you to experience the city’s diverse culture without needing a personal vehicle.
Bruin U-Pass
The UCLA undergraduate student body approved a program that provides undergraduate students with a universal transit pass. The Bruin U-Pass is charged as a $3.30 quarterly fee to students on the BruinBill. This pass gives UCLA students unlimited access to public transportation around any LA county line. It is a great way to travel to Century City or Santa Monica without using a car.
Student Adventure Pass – Metrolink
This transit program grants students a free pass to travel anywhere through the Metrolink system. Any student can travel free from LA Union Station to Anaheim and even to Oceanside. All you need to do is download the Metrolink mobile app and sign up using a valid school email, to which you will automatically be sent the Student Adventure Pass. If you would like to spend a day in San Diego, the Student Adventure Pass is a great way to explore California without buying a train ticket or even spending money on gas.
Carpooling with a friend
If you don’t have a car, carpooling with a friend who does can make the commute more exciting and enjoyable. This option can help reduce traffic due to carpool lanes, which can make the drive go by even faster. You can also split the cost of gas or parking to bring down expenses for all passengers in the vehicle.
Uber/Lyft
Uber and Lyft can be great alternatives to getting around LA. Although fares can be pricey, Uber and Lyft are popular options because of their convenience, helping you find a ride in minutes. You can also feel safe using these apps due to the numerous implemented safety features like driver background checks and the ability to share your location with friends and family. In addition, Uber and Lyft operate 24/7, so getting a ride is extremely accessible when you may need a late-night lift.
Electric Scooters
Electric scooters provide an eco-friendly and cost-effective option for those needing to navigate throughout the city. They are popular options when you need to make short-distance travels due to their convenience of being available to rent daily via mobile apps. Many college campuses have seen a rise in the popularity of electric scooters because they can be an enjoyable experience for an everyday commute.
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Overall, having access to these modes of transportation allows you to take advantage of the wonderful city of Los Angeles. While having no car may seem like an inconvenience, there are countless ways that LA provides public transportation services to those who need it. By utilizing these options, you can maximize your experience living here, leave a smaller environmental footprint and make Los Angeles a livable city for everyone.
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Featured Image via Daily Bruin Archives
