Public transportation in Culver City (Long Beach, Santa Monica: 2015, rental, appliances)

[mtkomori]

I lived in Culver City from 1971 to 73 as a kid. My dad told me there were buses that went down Washington Blvd. but ran only a few times/hour, perhaps as infrequent as once/twice an hour. We had two cars (we were a family of 5) and never had to take public transport. My dad worked at UCLA and always drove there. Apparently, it is now possible to get to UCLA on a single bus trip. How convenient is the Culver City Bus? Have they made improvements over the years? We used to live not too far away from MGM Studios (now Sony Pictures?). Would welcome any input. Thanks!

[SalParadise]

I can't comment on the bus routes in Culver City. But the Expo Light Rail Line will open in late 2011/early 2012 with a stop in Culver City.

Phase I of the Expo light rail line will go from Downtown LA to Culver City (completion in 2011/2012). Phase II will go from Culver City to Santa Monica (upon completion in 2015).

BuildExpo » Destinations

[michael_ames]

I know this is an old-ish post but public transit is really important and more info about CC surely could help.

I just moved to Culver City about 2 weeks ago and, except for a rental I used to buy appliances/gardening supplies, I've been car free without any problems.
I should be getting a bicycle soon which will make everything much easier.

As far as buses go:

I've taken both the Culver City Bus and the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus to UCLA from downtown CC. It's not a fast trip (even on the express lines my D2D, including some walk time, is about an hour) but it is indeed one bus all the way. UCLA students/faculty get a significant discount but even without it the fares are quite cheap. (So far the buses have been clean and quiet, too which is a big plus)

I think both the Big Blue Bus and CC bus networks are pretty extensive. I know the CC bus can take me with ease to more major shopping areas (Westfield Mall) and to the beach so I certainly don't feel trapped in here. There's an express bus on Venice (733) which might go downtown (not sure, but it at least goes more into the heart of LA) and apparently the DASH also makes trips to/from downtown for commuters (maybe 4 trips in the am and 4 in the pm) which is nice. Obviously once the expo line opens (they say early 2012) it'll be a snap to get downtown.

So to sum up: CC local transport is easy. Very walkable and bike friendly and regular cheap buses to get your shopping done. Other westside locations (including UCLA) are definitely doable. Downtown/WeHo/Hollywood are reachable now, but without the expo line I wouldn't want to do it everyday.
LAX is a snap to get to on the CC Rapid 6.

The only reason I might get a car is to be able to explore farther afield. Right now going to either Valley (SF or SG) or down south (Long Beach/San Pedro) just aren't feasible without a car.