Notes from a Public Transportation newbie of sorts (me) -

[pinto]

Due to medical conditions I've not driven for ~ 6 months. So I'm a public (and foot) transport guy. Living near our downtown, walking has always been a routine for me but for errands/trips beyond the neighborhood I'm now using our local bus system.

Takes a bit of planning, but it's working great.

I've gotten a disabled pass (1/2 price off regular fare, good for a month). Most all of the lines run every 30 minutes and are geared to local "high use" areas (duh). It's set up to serve the city's population centers efficiently. The city's transportation website provides an overall system map, plus individual route info.

For a small, fairly compact city it's an effective alternative to driving. Not sure how it goes in larger cities but this one is a great resource.

(aside) Realize first hand now the importance of funding support for public transportation systems.

[RandySF]

1. We don't even own a car.

And while no system is perfect, have no problems getting around town.

[pinto]

4. Same here. Sold mine and it's fine. Most of what I do is in-town as it is.

SF or LA, I go AMTRAK.

[JDPriestly]

5. Do you have to ride on a bus part of the way?

How does that work for you?

I love Amtrak in Southern California but have been uncomfortable on the buses when forced to take them due to repairs on the Amtrak line. I've been thinking about taking the train to SF. Please advise if you can.

[pinto]

6. Coast Starlight runs LA -> Oakland. From there you can catch a local train across the bay to SF.

All other options have a bus segment. I've done the Amtrak bus to San Jose and train into SF, which was OK. Prefer the Starlight though.

Check out http://www.amtrak.com

[JDPriestly]

7. Good. I may just try it. Thanks.

[NYC_SKP]

12. Like Manhattan, a car in SF is an absolute luxury, not an option for most.

SF is NOT car-friendly, it's worse than NY.

I lived in manhattan for 8 years without a car, really didn't miss it and only once rented a car for some vacation.

That entire time I kept a car in California because you can't NOT have a car in California.

Unless you live in a pedestrian and public transit friendly place like SF.

[CreekDog]

2. what city are you in?

[pinto]

3. SLO CA

http://www.slocity.org/publicworks/transit.asp

[nxylas]

8. Quite amusing to see a 3 page FAQ on that site about their double-decker bus

At least for a Brit like me.

[pinto]

9. LOL. Yeah, it was a big deal when they first introduced it.

(back story) It's used on the two lines whose ridership is ~ 75% Cal Poly students. The university provides a healthy subsidy to the bus system - many students live off campus and ride for free.

[Kennah]

10. Have you considered a bike, understanding you stated medical conditions so perhaps not an option

A recumbent trike is the route many go with health conditions who still want to bike. SLO appears to have ideal biking weather.

[pinto]

11. SLO's becoming more and more bike friendly, supportive. Really good to see.

Not an option for me just now.