Hi, I have been staying in the Hollywood area every June for the last number of years. I'm a solo female, well used to using public transport in multiple countries and I am very aware of personal safety.
The Red Line is one of my main transport options when I visit LA. I use the LA Tap card.
I only use pubic transport in daylight hours. I am usually back at my hotel around 7.30pm as it gets dark in June around 8pm.
From Hollywood and Highland Red Line Metro Station to Universal City Metro Station would be about 20 minutes. You then come up to ground level, cross the street and take the free shuttle bus up the hill to Universal City Walk and the park entrance.
I also use public transport to transfer from Hollywood to Anaheim.
Take the Red Line Metro to Union Station, about 35 minutes travel time. Then take Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Train to Anaheim Artctic Station, travel time about 40 minutes. Then either UBER / LYFT or ART to your Anaheim hotel.
Some pointers for using public transport
- I keep my TAP card in a plastic pouch attached to a retractable belt clip which is attached either to my jeans belt or my bag. This way it is always to hand to Tap, you don't hold up the flow of traffic behind you and you look less like a tourist and more like a local.
- You only Tap to get on the underground train. When you exit, the barriers open automatically
- There are screens on each platform which will tell you the time and destination of the next train
- There can be some colourful characters and local"entertainment" on the trains. They are basically harmless, but its always best to not make eye contact and look bored, look out the window, etc, ie pretend to be regular commuters instead of excited tourists. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING from anyone selling anything on the trains.
- Don't use your phone on the train. Again phones are easy targets for pick pockets. In the area I live, grab and run just as the train doors are closing is very common.
- Keep a hand on your bag, swing your backpack around to the front, etc etc when on the trains.
- Each station will be announced on the train and there are also route maps on the carriage walls, usually above the doors.
- There are escalators, elevators and stairs at the stations.