LA Metro Blue and Green Lines - are they really that bad? (Los Angeles: to rent, hotel)

[Urban Peasant]

Hi all,

I plan to visit Los Angeles for the first time later this year. I and my family booked a hotel close to LAX within walking distance to the Green Line in hopes of riding the Metro into town for one day just to get the feel of LA's public transit (I am a huge transit fan) and then renting a car to explore the rest of the metro area the rest of the time. I keep coming over horror stories about the Green and Blues (and especially the Blue Line) however, of crime, aggravation, delays, and slow traffic. My question to you locals is how bad is the experience of riding into Downtown LA from the Hawthorne/Inglewood area?

As a huge transit buff, I have ridden metros all around North America, sometimes alone, even in reputably tough cities on the East Coast and Midwest and have had no problems. The occasional panhandler, illegal vendor, drunk, or homeless bum annoys me more than threatens me. However, I am also taking along my elderly parents which is why I have to be more cautious this time around. I'd appreciate any feedback and suggestions. Thanks!

[quizzer25]

Green line is good all times. Blue line is not that great as green line, but you should be fine.

[Texamichiforniasota]

You'll be fine if you are male, but to avoid the majority of issues don't ride late at night.

[Western Urbanite]

Transit is fine. However, I have NO CLUE why you'd want to stay near the airport. I also don't think you need to rent a car. Just take Metro downtown when you land, and you will easily be able to do day trips to other parts of the area by transit (Hollywood, Westside, Pasadena, etc.)

[BGS91762]

Been riding both the Green and Blue Lines for years from LAX to downtown LA. Never had any problems other than the usual characters you see in any big city transit system. BTW the Green Line connection from LAX to Aviation station is great.

[JohnG72]

With access to the green line(and I'm not sure that's a given depending on where you are staying), you could take the public lines to downtown LB, downtown LA, k town, Hollywood, universal city, Culver City, and Pasadena.

It's a fairly decent way to get around and most Angelenos are still relatively ignorant of it.

[DabOnEm]

You'll be fine. The Blue Line is worse south of the Green Line (you wont be going that way) plus during the day its not bad. You'll see a couple of suits and people with luggage at the Blue Line/Green Line Willowbrook station.

[BGS91762]

Originally Posted by DabOnEm

You'll be fine. The Blue Line is worse south of the Green Line (you wont be going that way) plus during the day its not bad. You'll see a couple of suits and people with luggage at the Blue Line/Green Line Willowbrook station.

Yes you would be surprised how many LAX passengers take the Green Line to the airport. Especially foreigners who are usually much more travel aware.

[Maliblue]

Just do yourself a favor and don't search for "crazy people on LA subways" on YouTube. Not only will it scare you off riding our illustrious transit system to nowhere (still doesn't quite reach the airport proper, but close enough I guess), but it might make you loathe humanity in general.

But that is just a fraction of the riders; you'll be fine. Just be aware as you would in any urban area.

[BGS91762]

Originally Posted by Maliblue

Just do yourself a favor and don't search for "crazy people on LA subways" on YouTube. Not only will it scare you off riding our illustrious transit system to nowhere (still doesn't quite reach the airport proper, but close enough I guess), but it might make you loathe humanity in general.

But that is just a fraction of the riders; you'll be fine. Just be aware as you would in any urban area.

Same advice for other major cities. Crazy people are all over the NYC subways.