There is no doubt that the Los Angeles metropolitan area experiences some of the greatest traffic congestion in the United States. Anyone who has visited Los Angeles knows that a five-mile trip can easily turn into a 45-minute ordeal. The second largest metropolitan area in the United States has the most congestion overall, the second most hours spent in traffic jams per capita, and the seventh longest commute (Forbes). This is undoubtedly a problem, and the Los Angeles Planning Division has incorporated various techniques to address the problem over the years. However, traffic and traffic jams persist. It seems that much of the problem stems from Los Angeles' dependence on automobiles. Los Angeles “is slightly denser than Seattle (which has just over 7,000 people per square mile)…yet a third of Seattle residents bike, walk, or take public transit to work, either more than twice as much as in Los Angeles (15.5%)” (Planetian). Why don't more Los Angeles residents bike, walk, or take public transportation, you ask? Could it be that the urban area was designed to be more car-dependent? Most Los Angeles planners want to see fewer cars on the roads and use more alternative means of transportation. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essay However, a recent report by Baruch Feigenbaum suggests that the solution to congestion is the construction of a series of new roads and tunnels for the region. Regardless, both sides can agree that something needs to be done to improve the impasse. This brings me to my research question: What techniques or methods will reduce automobile dependence and increase alternative modes of transportation in Los Angeles? Using the best methods from other similar metropolitan areas, I will see what worked and what didn't and what legal steps were taken to ensure success. I know for a fact that eminent domain will be a controversial aspect of my research, which is of great interest to me. In total, the city of Los Angeles has more than four million residents who hate the traffic and congestion of their beautiful city. If reducing car dependence can improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of road rage, I will consider that a success..