STREET SMART
STREET SMART
Giving up our car-centric way of life will save lives, money, and a lot of road rage.
Greater L.A. was built on post-war prosperity and freeway-fueled suburbs. This type of growth has led to urban sprawl, gridlock and some of the worst air quality in the nation. Here, we take a look at what a healthier, more equitable and convenient transit system looks like. CSO policy advisor Raj Dhillon discusses how the County is working to get residents out of their cars and into a smarter transportation web.
What’s the problem with driving gas- and diesel-powered vehicles?
In the State of California, the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) is the transportation sector, accounting for roughly 40% of all GHGs. The County of Los Angeles must do its part to reduce and eliminate these emissions. GHGs from our gas- and diesel-powered cars and trucks worsen our air quality, pose serious risks to our climate and health by driving climate change, and are linked to serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease and asthma. In 2019, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors adopted the OurCounty sustainability plan, a bold, inclusive, and regional blueprint that envisions a fossil fuel-free Los Angeles and a convenient, safe, clean, and affordable transportation system.
Why does L.A.’s car-based transportation system no longer serve the modern world?
L.A.’s freeway-based infrastructure, once seen as a mark of progress and economic expansion, now fuels persistent traffic congestion, lengthy commutes for Angelenos, and some of the poorest air quality in the country. As the region has grown and sprawl has continued, building more lanes and roads has failed to alleviate traffic as increased road capacity has led to more driving. For example, the widening of the Sepulveda Pass in 2014 encouraged more use of the highway, and congestion quickly returned to pre-expansion levels. Furthermore, this transportation system also reinforces inequality, as lower-income residents often face longer, more expensive commutes from housing located far from job centers.
The car-based transportation system also undermines our state and local climate goals with transportation remaining by far California’s largest source of GHGs. For a more equitable and livable future, we must provide more viable transportation options to our residents. At the same time, we can take steps to reduce the harm from the system we already have—by accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles, expanding EV charging infrastructure, and improving fuel efficiency standards. Reducing tailpipe pollution not only helps combat climate change but also improves air quality, especially in communities already burdened by high levels of traffic-related pollution.
What are the biggest obstacles to weaning Angelenos from their cars?
Many neighborhoods aren’t designed for walking or biking and lack convenient access to jobs, schools, and essential services, making car travel feel like the only viable option. Concerns about personal safety — whether from crime or traffic-related risks — also deter many people from using transit or active transportation. Car ownership is often associated with status and independence, especially in areas where public transit has been historically neglected or undervalued. Additionally, coordination among multiple transit agencies remains a challenge, making it harder to deliver a seamless and efficient regional transportation system.
What does a less car-centric L.A. look like? What is the future of transportation?
A less car-centric Los Angeles is one in which we have dense, walkable communities linked by frequent, zero-emission public transit, with streets designed to serve people rather than just vehicles. Walking and biking would be safe, enjoyable, and practical for everyday trips, while transit would offer seamless, reliable connections across the region. Emerging solutions — such as mobility-as-a-service platforms, e-bikes, and microtransit — would help close first-last mile gaps and reduce the need for private car ownership. This future centers on multimodal, resilient, and accessible transportation that puts people and our shared environment first.
A couple of transportation related goals in the OurCounty plan include a fossil fuel-free LA County and a transportation system that’s convenient, safe, clean, and affordable. One of the ways to achieve those goals is to create a zero-emission transportation system, which includes the installation of thousands of new EV chargers that the public will have access to with disadvantaged communities being a priority for that important access. Later this year, we will have an updated version of the OurCounty plan available that will include several other transportation-related actions aimed at improving the transportation access throughout LA County.
Additionally, since the adoption of the OurCounty plan, the County has developed a Zero Emissions Vehicle Master Plan. This master plan demonstrates not only the County’s commitment to its own zero-emission fleet goals but also includes ZEV infrastructure deployment and workforce training opportunities that key components to County residents having access to EV cars and EV charging.
The vision for multimodal, walkable, and transit-rich communities will take time to fully realize. In the meantime, how is the County addressing vehicle emissions, especially given the region’s reliance on cars?
The County is supporting the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by investing in ZEV infrastructure, streamlining permitting for EV charging, expanding public and workplace charging, and advocating for policies that make ZEVs more affordable for County residents. Additionally, the County has a policy in place to transition the County’s fleet to ZEVs. The County’s Internal Services Department in its ZEV Mobility Plan outlines strategies that include expanding employee rideshare programs, electrifying the County’s fleet, and enhancing ZEV infrastructure through community input.
With that said, the ZEV transition won’t address the broader challenges of a car-centric transportation system. ZEVs still produce pollution from tires and brakes, and ZEVs don’t resolve issues such as traffic congestion, unsafe streets for pedestrians, urban sprawl, or the inequities associated with car ownership. Relying solely on ZEVs without a reduction in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) will still negatively impact congestion, wear-and-tear on our roads, and increase infrastructure and land use costs. VMT reduction isn’t just about driving less — it’s about creating more transportation options and building a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable future.
How do we ensure transportation equity for communities historically underserved by infrastructure investments?
Achieving transportation equity throughout the County requires prioritizing investments in communities that have long lacked access to safe, reliable, and affordable mobility options. These communities include residents who are low-income; Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC); disabled; seniors; and families with children. This involves allocating resources to improve transit services, active transportation, and safety in BIPOC neighborhoods, where car ownership rates tend to be lower and dependence on public transit is higher. Equity and sustainability are deeply connected—enhancing access to zero-emission transportation options, secure sidewalks, and bike lanes helps reduce pollution while expanding opportunities. Meaningful community engagement is crucial to ensure transportation plans address the real needs and experiences of residents. By embedding equity at every stage of planning, we build a transportation system that is both fair and sustainable.