Not Swimming in the Car Pool

[shanmonster]

A few days ago, I saw a flier advertising light rail transit in Kitchener. It said that if such a thing came to pass in my city, I would not need to worry about getting a second car. I was boggled. A second car? I've never had a first car! And do you know what? I function perfectly fine without owning a motorized vehicle. I don't need one. At all. Within the city, I walk, bike, or, when the weather is too inclement or I'm sick, I take the bus. It's been this way for me in every city where I ever lived.

My art instructor was pleased when she saw me bike to her class. She says she likes to bike for fun, too. I told her I bike pretty much everywhere, and often year round. It's not specifically for fun. It's my main means of getting around town. She was very surprised when she learned I don't own a car, and have no intention of getting one.

She kept asking, "And that works for you?"

And I kept saying, "Yes."

She asked how I got to Toronto, and I told her I just catch a bus. And commuter trains will be yet another option come the new year. It's a hell of a lot cheaper than paying for gas, parking, insurance, and vehicle maintenance.

In the odd occasion where I need a vehicle, we rent one. It's worked out just fine.

Walking and biking keeps me in much better shape than riding in a vehicle, too. Bonus!

The only places where a vehicle was needed was when I lived with my family far out in the countryside. There is no public transit in rural areas, and everything is so far apart, that bicycles, walking, horseback, and dogsleds just don't cut it. But we still used non-motorized means of transportation as much as possible. Our winter's wood supply was carried on wagons and sleds. We would take a horse and buggy to the corner store when I lived in Newfoundland. It was much cheaper than driving the truck.

I entered a draw to win a car, yesterday. In the odd chance that I win it, I'm selling it. I can use the money for much more useful things.

Comments

[zydee.livejournal.com]

I've gone years without owning a car either; right now it is needed, but my fiance and I just share one. Our friends think we're nuts--HOW CAN WE LIVE LIKE THIS--like we're primitive Neanderthals driving with our knuckles and signaling by grunting out the window.

On the rare occasion we need something bigger than the Miata, we rent a truck. Way cheaper than owning a truck, and cheaper still than owning the Miata AND a truck. I don't mind getting one if I need it often enough to justify it, but I can't justify it now.

They see you rollin, they hatin.

[icedrake.livejournal.com]

Oh, how I miss my carless days in Waterloo.

[aberrantmist.livejournal.com]

I've always liked the idea of the carshare concept. If I didn't have access to a car, I'd certainly do it.

I've never minded buses *shrug* and I never felt the need overwhelming need for a car. Like you two, I just rented if I required one for the weekend.

[silverfae.livejournal.com]

I'm envious! I miss my days without car ownership.
Our area is pitifully lacking in public transit.

But yes, I get your amusement at "second" car, lol.

[kiaramoon.livejournal.com]

I'm the same way. A car would make me lazy

[valkryor.livejournal.com]

A car is a handy thing when you have a young kidlet (So Much Stuff!), but it's still possible to get around using transit. I am, though, looking forward to LRT when it finally does happen.