Getting Rid of Reliance on Vehicles to Reduce Traffic in Los Angeles

Introduction

It is no question that the Los Angeles metropolitan area experiences some of the most traffic congestion in the United States. Anyone who has visited L.A. knows that a five-mile trip can easily turn into a 45-minute ordeal. America’s second-largest metro area has the most congestion overall, the second most hours spent in traffic per resident, and the seventh longest commute (Forbes, 2021). No doubt it is a problem, and the Los Angeles Planning Division has incorporated a variety of techniques to tackle the issue over the years. Yet, traffic and congestion persist. It seems that a large root of the problem stems from Los Angeles’s car dependency.

Car Dependency in Los Angeles

L.A. “is slightly denser than Seattle (which has just over 7,000 people per square mile) … yet one-third of Seattle residents bike, walk, or take transit to work, more than twice as many as in Los Angeles (15.5%)” (Planetizen, 2021). Why aren’t more Los Angeles residents biking, walking, or taking transit, you ask? Could it be that the urban area was planned to be more car dependent? Most planners of L.A. want to see fewer cars on the road and more alternative methods of transportation used. To achieve this, it is crucial to understand the historical context of urban planning decisions that favored automobile use over public transport and non-motorized travel.

Alternative Solutions to Traffic Congestion

However, a recent report by Baruch Feigenbaum suggests that the solution to the congestion is the construction of a series of new roads and tunnels for the area (Feigenbaum, 2022). Regardless, both parties can agree that something needs to be done to improve the gridlock. This leads me to my research question: What techniques or methods will decrease car dependency and increase alternative modes of transportation in Los Angeles? By examining the best practices of other, similar metropolitan areas, I will see what has worked and what has not, and what legal steps were taken to ensure success. Additionally, I will explore the potential impact of emerging technologies, such as electric scooters and bike-sharing programs, which have shown promise in other cities.

Challenges and Controversies

I know for a fact that eminent domain will be a controversial aspect of my research, which is of great interest to me. The use of eminent domain to create new infrastructure can lead to public resistance, as it often involves the displacement of residents and businesses. Overall, the City of Los Angeles has over four million residents, who loathe the traffic and congestion of their beautiful city. If the decrease of car dependency can improve the flow of traffic and lower the chances of road rage, I will consider that to be a success.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing traffic congestion in Los Angeles requires a multifaceted approach that reduces car dependency and promotes alternative transportation methods. By learning from other cities and addressing the challenges head-on, L.A. can move toward a more sustainable and efficient transportation future.

References

• Feigenbaum, B. (2022). Report on Traffic Solutions for Los Angeles. Reason Foundation.
• Forbes. (2021). Los Angeles Traffic Congestion Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com
• Planetizen. (2021). Comparative Analysis of Urban Density and Transportation Choices. Retrieved from https://www.planetizen.com