Bullpoo. As an example, I dropped my car off for some minor repairs yesterday. It's my only car. I got the repair shop to drop me off, called a co-worker to get a ride to work this morning, and checked the bus schedule before I left work.
The bus schedule didn't seem too bad, and I was even able to ascertain that it seemed to be running 5-10 minutes late.
I could have waited for the bus, but I didn't. I hoofed it home, took a little over 30 minutes and I'm sure the exercise didn't do me a bit of harm.
I actually looked at bicycles yesterday - I've been meaning to get one anyway, but I just couldn't see plunking $500 down with researching them a little bit.
I've known other people who worked in professional capacities that didn't drive either. They used buses, cabs, friends and co-workers to commute.
None of the cities I've lived in are known for having great public transportation systems either though they all have been major cities. In fact, in most of them, people have whined about *needing* light rail and most have given in by now. In fact, they're going to build it here despite their own studies that it will slow traffic and increase pollutiobn.
I managed to make it through 4 years of college without a car. You'd be surprised how few places in major cities are NOT within walking distance of a grocery store.
Would I ever give up my car? No, but by the same token I am not under any illusion that I couldn't survive without one.
Lots of people *think* they need cars. My parents maid thought she needed a car - in fact, it had to be a Cadillac. Other maids in the neighborhood used the bus, but she drove a Caddy.
There already ARE cheap, efficient ways to move around. That you're blind to them is astounding.
Most people live in cities with public buses. Most people are capable of walking to a bus stop. It's cheap and it's healthy.
If I can walk 30 minutes at a brisk pace despite not being in great physical shape (smoker, drinker, never work out, past middle age for my life expectancy), most other people can. Instead, they're DRIVING to their health clubs, where they'll walk around the track 3 times and get a mbuttage and kid themselves that they're living a healthy lifestyle.
I wouldn't doubt for a second that it's a hbuttle to rely on public transportation, but since so many people have to finance their cars I have to wonder if they really can afford them.
