While visiting Oslo last April, I was suprised to find that I enjoyed using their public transportation. I knew in advance that we would be taking the busses and trians while we were there because my friend does not own a car (he dosent need it, the public transportaion is so good).

Being born and raised in the greater Los Angeles area, it is standard for every family to have about one vehicle per driver. At least generally speaking for middle class families like mine. Going to school when I was growing up, my sister and I never took the bus to school. We were always picked up and dropped off everyday till I was old enough to drive. Then I drove the familys minivan and would drop my sister off before going to school. Then when I was 17 I got my first car, and have been fortunate enough to have my own car ever since.

Living here, I have never once taken a bus, taken the trains/underground/metrolink, or taken a taxi. And as far as I know, I have never known anyone who has either. Its just not something that you do, or need to do. Everyone has their own car.
So when my friend was here visiting from Norway,he insisted that he could take the trains and buses to get around. I thought that that was so weird, so insisted on him borrowing my car. I really thought it was unusual how he seemed to think it was no big deal that he didnt have a car…and that was strange to me, because we all have cars. And no one I know takes public transit.
Anyways, he did borrow my car, but there were times that I needed my car and he would take the trains. To make a long story short, he ended up convincing me (not easily) to try taking the train to my work instead of driving. It would save me so much money. I just would have never thought of it. Why take a train when I can drive? But after much debate, I was convinced to try it.  I’ve been taking the train to work ever since. It is easier and cheaper. It just sucks that the public transportaion here is
so limited that I cant take it more places.

In Oslo, that is what most people do. They use their public transportaion. And in cases like my friends situation, there is no need to have a car when the citys transportaion meets all of your needs.

There is another difference to the two cities transit services. Oslo’s trains and busses: very frequent, on time, clean and have many convient stops to make it very user friendly for the people in the city. LA’s trains and busses: not frequent (alot of very
long waiting), late, and not clean at all (you have to watch where you sit or even put your hands…eewwww) and not located everywhere or easy to use.

I actually look foward to the ease of using Oslo’s network of trains and busses once I get there. They are so clean, and you never have to think about where to park or getting gas. I think LA could learn a thing or two about public transportation is concerned from a city like Oslo.

My opinion…Oslo gets two thumbs up!