I've been experimenting this new year by trying to de-car and commute by bus and subway more often. So when it came to volunteering at KCRW last Friday, I thought I would try to avoid the morning rush hour by taking the bus to my Morning Becomes Eclectic phone bank spot.

Before we get to that, last week on my way the LA Phil, I picked up this brochure called the '12-Minute' Map that boasts every bus on the map runs 12 minutes or less on weekdays during the day. I chose this as my tool to get me to KCRW by 8 am on Friday morning.

Does the 12-minute map work?

So far, yes.

Although it took me 4 busses each way from Sherman Oaks to KCRW's studios at Santa Monica College, the 12-minute or less waits held true. Time wise, it took about one hour, twenty minutes each way. I can believe it might take about a hour by car during rush hour traffic, but to take that long by car in the afternoon is doubtful.

All in all, it's a great map. For those who live, work and play Downtown, the map is extremely detailed.

If you're nerdy, here is my route: 750 Rapid westbound on Ventura to the 761 Rapid (not a 12-minute bus) southbound. The 761 took me from Ventura/Van Nuys Blvds. to Wilshire/Westwood Blvds. From there, I took the Big Blue 8 or 12 to Westwood/Pico where I caught the Big Blue 7 to Santa Monica College.