How I Saved Thousands by Ditching My Car in Los Angeles for 19 Years

For nearly two decades, Brian Gallagher has navigated Los Angeles without owning a car, challenging the common assumption that a vehicle is essential in the sprawling city. His unconventional approach, relying on public transportation and occasional rideshares, has resulted in significant savings and a unique perspective on urban life.

Gallagher moved to Los Angeles 19 years ago, initially facing skepticism about his decision to forgo a car. "You have to have a car," was a frequent refrain he heard. However, he persevered, estimating that he has saved approximately $1,750 annually, totaling over $33,000 during his time in the city. His decision was partly driven by financial constraints when he first moved for a modest salary, and partly by a personal aversion to driving.

"I was never a car guy," Gallagher stated, acknowledging a fondness for a Corvette but a general dislike for the act of driving itself. By his 20s, the costs and the frustration of traffic, particularly in a city like Los Angeles, became unappealing. His last experience driving was in January 2008, during a 1,600-mile move to Los Angeles in a rental truck.

His primary mode of transport has been the LA Metro system, supplemented by rideshares like Uber and Lyft, which became available in Los Angeles in 2012 and 2013, respectively. The Metro train and bus system, with fares at $1.75 each way, offers a cost-effective alternative. While the train system is not as extensive as one might expect for a city of its size, buses fill in the gaps, albeit subject to traffic.

Gallagher acknowledges the drawbacks of public transit, including occasional unpleasant odors and noise from other passengers. He also notes that while dangerous incidents can occur, his personal experience has been largely free of major confrontations. "Most of the people I encounter are just like me: on their way to or from work, the bar, the movies or the Dodgers game," he observed. He has witnessed unsettling events, such as a passenger vomiting extensively on a train, but frames these as part of the diverse tapestry of city life.

Despite these occasional unpleasantries, Gallagher highlights the benefits of his car-free lifestyle. Public transit provides him with time to read, engage with fellow passengers, and observe the city from a different vantage point. He recounts pleasant conversations with strangers about shared interests, from books to local attractions.

To illustrate the financial implications, Gallagher compared the estimated costs of car ownership with his actual transit expenses. Based on AAA's figures and Los Angeles's high gas prices, the annual cost of owning a new car, excluding payments, could reach $12,863. Gallagher broke down potential annual costs for a non-new car, including gas, insurance, registration, parking, and maintenance, estimating them at $5,634.38.

In contrast, his actual expenses for the LA Metro and Big Blue Bus, which caps fares at $18 per week, amount to $1,196 annually. Adding $2,683 in rideshare expenses from January to October, his total transit and rideshare costs for the year are estimated at $3,879. This results in an estimated annual savings of $1,755.38 compared to owning a car. He notes that potential savings could be significantly higher if he reduced his reliance on rideshares.

Gallagher acknowledges that his experience may differ from that of others, particularly women, due to safety concerns that have deterred some individuals. However, he maintains that his nearly two decades of using public transit have been largely safe and rewarding. He offers practical advice for new public transit users, such as avoiding disruptive passengers, utilizing new payment options (credit/debit cards are now accepted on Metro and Big Blue Bus), and always carrying headphones.

"Hop on a bus or a train and you’ll see a Los Angeles you can’t see from the 405: the real people who make this city tick every day. Good, bad or ugly," he concluded.