Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
News

Gasoline Has Changed LA, But Will It Change Back?

streetsblog_pic

The Daily News printed a story today about some of the changes that Los Angeles has undergone as a result of high gas prices.  There's nothing surprising about their findings, more people are biking, taking transit, and buying fuel efficient cars.  The Daily News' article focuses on what steps will have to be taken to accomodate these changes if they continue to happen.

And yes, a fare hike is mentioned to help Metro deal with all of its new passengers.

But what if gas prices continue their recent trend, and fall back to $3 a gallon.  Up here in the Bay Area the local news is focusing on forecasters that are predicting gas prices to be between $3 and $3.25.

So here's the question I put to you: If gas prices fall and don't rise, what's going to happen to Los Angeles?  Have we learned our lesson?  If we return to an era of $3 gasoline, will we see people continue to pursue alternative transportation, or will the city breathe a deep sigh of relief and get back in their SUV's?

Photo: Sirigous/Flickr

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Friday’s Headlines

Valley-Westside rail, South Bay rail, transit-oriented housing, green WeHo bike lanes, Country Club housing, LAPD, Avenue 60, car-nage, and more

January 23, 2026

January 2026 Metro Board Round-Up: Sepulveda Rail Approved, Torrance Rail Kneecapped

Valley-Westside subway plan approved. South Bay light rail delayed significantly, perhaps indefinitely.

January 22, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines

ICE, crosswalks, bus lane enforcement, Sepulveda rail, Torrance rail, Long Beach, MacArthur Park, LADOT, and more

January 22, 2026

Extending the Foothill A Line Hasn’t Been Forgotten

Plans are underway to get the track built to Claremont, and stakeholders remain hopeful that Montclair can make a comeback.

January 21, 2026

Wednesday’s Headlines

ICE, Metro meeting tomorrow, Torrance, transit ambassadors, Santa Monica, Glendale, red light cameras, Koreatown, Long Beach parking, car-nage, and more

January 21, 2026

Uh Oh! Dueling Alignments Could Throw Torrance Metro Rail Extension into Limbo

Metro's plan for a four-mile light rail extension from Redondo Beach to Torrance could get a lot more difficult, and more expensive

January 20, 2026
See all posts