San Diego and Los Angeles are probably the personal car capitals of the world. Public transportation here is sparse and relatively poor, compared to the best ones I've seen. I own a small car (which my wife drives) and a small truck (for my big drums).

While I drive the truck for most errands and all music practices and gigs, I use the light rail train to go to work--and I love it! I look out the window at nearby traffic jams, glance at the gasoline prices and lay back with a contented smile on my face, continue reading/writing, or grading my students' schoolwork.