When the Humvee’s n the Shop

Want to avoid that arduous eight-minute walk from parking lot to arena? Then ride these:

Bicycles: Racks for 55 bikes will be available on the northwest side of the arena. MTA buses provide carriers for two bikes per bus.

Mass Transit: Numerous MTA buses serve the major streets near the Staples Center, which is just a block from the Metro Blue Line/Pico station and four blocks from the Metro Red Line. The trains stop running a little after 11 p.m., which could be a problem if a game goes late. The MTA is considering extending those hours.

MetroLink: These trains from outlying areas of Ventura, Riverside and Orange counties run weekdays during peak commuting hours, but they also can be used for weekend trips. Groups can charter a train and buy special tickets that include a shuttle from Union Station to the arena.

Shuttles: Downtown restaurants and other businesses are likely to provide shuttles to games. McCormick & Schmick’s fish house downtown was the trendsetter here, offering rides to the Forum for Kings games last year.

Electric Cars: The arena’s development agreement requires “alternative vehicle parking,” and the center has complied. In conjunction with the Convention Center, the arena provides two charging stations for two cars: one inductive, one conductive--in case you were wondering.