Owning a car is a big step and isn’t always easy. There are a lot of hidden costs and a lot to be responsible for. In addition to the cost of the car, you have to purchase gas, get oil changes, buy tires, and do other ongoing maintenance to keep the car in good shape. Even when you do everything right, unexpected issues can still come up. You also have to pay for inspection stickers, license plates, and auto insurance. And of course, you have to pay to attend driving school and to get a driver’s license.
Everyone will not be able to afford a car or will not be able to get a driver’s license. Therefore, you’ll need to be able to access affordable transportation. Some will need this transportation to be accessible too.
Where you live will be a factor in what type of transit you can use. People that live in big cities or suburbs usually have the most options for getting around. People that live in the country or in more rural areas have fewer options. They usually need to depend on family and friends to go places.
Some people will choose to walk, ride a bicycle, ride a motorized scooter, or use public transit. Walking or riding a bicycle is great exercise, but what happens if it’s raining or extremely hot? You’ll need a backup plan. The bus or subway is a great backup plan, but if you need an accessible bus, you’ll need to learn what is available and how you qualify to ride one. Some public transportation may require you to complete a form and schedule rides in advance.
As you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when you need to go grocery shopping, have a doctor’s appointment, go to work, go to school, or go on an outing. What way do you think you’ll use to get around?
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Updated 8/9/2023
