No Car. No Public Transport.
- Curry Forest
- Feb 16, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
It is impossible to get around without a car or public transportation.
Imagine trying to navigate daily life without a car or reliable public transportation. For millions of Americans, this isn’t a hypothetical, it’s their everyday reality. A trip to work, a doctor’s visit, or even a grocery run can turn into an hours-long ordeal, or worse, an impossible task.
I live in a city that offers good public transport. And yet, there have been times when I've had to walk, take two trains and a bus to get to work. It would take me one and a half hours each way on a good day; and over two hours on a bad day. The same trip in a car would have taken me 30-45 mins.
It was exhausting. Buses were delayed by traffic or weather. Standing at an open bus stop after a long, draining day was demoralizing. Train rides were often standing-room only. But a car was not an option, I simply couldn’t afford one. So, I adapted. I stopped viewing the commute as a burden and started using that time to unwind. I read books. I listened to podcasts and music. I solved puzzles, doodled, and occasionally practiced my design skills. Unless I was falling behind, I avoided work and school-related tasks. My commute became a pocket of personal time. Sometimes, I even caught up on sleep. What once felt like a frustrating necessity became something I genuinely looked forward to. Today, I have a choice. But many people don’t.
The Transportation Gap in America
45% of Americans have no access to public transportation. Around 100 million people don’t drive, whether due to financial constraints, disability, age, or lack of eligibility. For them, the simplest tasks become logistical challenges. Most states fail the walkability test. Only 16 have at least 30% of areas classified as walkable. Less than 6% of people walk to reach their destinations. In many cities, less than 0.5% bike to work. Rural areas suffer the most: though 1 in 5 Americans live in rural towns, they receive just 11% of federal transportation grants.
This is not just an infrastructure issue—it’s a human rights issue.
Why Transportation is a Human Right
Transportation is the thread that connects people to opportunity. It provides access to jobs, schools, medical care, grocery stores, and community life. Without it, people face isolation, missed opportunities, and even health risks. A lack of transportation doesn’t just affect individuals, it impacts entire neighborhoods, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality.
We cannot build an equitable society if so many people are unable to get where they need to go.
For Those Without Transportation:
If you don’t have a car or reliable access to public transit, here are some practical options that may help:
1. Walk (if you're able). For shorter distances, walking offers a free and healthy way to get around. If you're able, consider it for trips under three miles. Remember to prioritize safety by choosing well-lit routes, being aware of your surroundings, and walking with others when you can.
2. Use a bicycle. Even a basic, second-hand bike can take you places up to 10 miles away. That’s about 45–60 minutes of riding time. Try renting or borrowing before buying. Always wear a helmet and keep a repair kit handy. Many local programs and nonprofits provide free or discounted bikes to those in need. Check your local listings. 3. Explore free rideshare options. Rideshare companies sometimes offer free rides for job interviews or specific job types. Carpooling with coworkers or neighbors is another low-cost option. If you can’t contribute financially, offer help in other ways – cooking, babysitting, organizing. Think creatively; mutual support goes a long way. 4. Reach Out to Transportation Assistance Nonprofits. Every state has organizations dedicated to helping people with transportation challenges. Some provide free cars or offer rides based on eligibility. A quick online search or call to a local help center can connect you to the right resource.
5. Check local community or county welfare offices. Some towns provide free or subsidized rides, especially for seniors, people with disabilities, or those with limited income. Even if they don’t offer rides directly, they might be able to connect you with other programs.
6. Check your Health benefits. Some insurers and Medicaid programs offer free transport for medical appointments. This is often underutilized. Ask your provider for details.
7. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Asking for help is hard, but people are often more willing to help than we expect. If you're stuck, reach out to someone you trust, even if you’ve been turned down before. Asking one person directly is more effective than posting to a group, where no one feels individually responsible.
Rural and Small-Town Advice
In rural areas and small towns, public transportation is often limited, but other community-based solutions may be available:
Check with religious organizations. Many run vans or ride programs for members and neighbors in need.
Ask about regional shuttles or volunteer driver programs at your county health department or Area Agency on Aging. These services are often available but not well-advertised.
Local bulletin boards at grocery stores, libraries, or post offices may have listings for ride shares, community help groups, or transport volunteers.
County Extension Offices can also be a source of transportation info, especially for seniors and people with disabilities.
Emergency Prep Tips
Transportation problems can become urgent during medical situations, job interviews, or extreme weather events. Preparing in advance can ease the pressure when time is tight.
Make a contact list of people you trust: neighbors, coworkers, friends, who might help in an emergency.
Print maps or directions to key locations like clinics, shelters, or food banks in case your phone dies or you lose service.
Pack a small go-bag with essentials like water, snacks, a flashlight, basic first aid, and copies of important documents.
Keep local resource numbers handy, like 211 or nearby community centers that may offer emergency ride programs.
How You Can Help Others:
1. Offer a ride. Whether it’s a lift to a job interview, a grocery store run, or a drop-off at the train station, your help can be life-changing. A small gesture can have lasting impact. (I still remember how my boss dropped me at the train station nearly every day for two years, it made winter bearable. Start a carpool program for your school, neighborhood, or workplace. Not only does this reduce individual burdens, but it also cuts emissions. If every vehicle carried just one more person, the US could save 33 million gallons of fuel daily.
2. Use public transportation yourself. The best way to improve public transportation is to use it. Increased ridership drives investment in frequency, safety, and accessibility. Public support matters. Your presence counts.
3. Advocate for better policies. Encourage your employer to subsidize transit passes or offer rides for employees working late shifts. Advocate for better transit in your neighborhood or workplace. Your voice can influence city budgets and transportation priorities.
4. Support 'Universal Basic Mobility'. This growing movement promotes access to transportation as a basic right. That means free or low-cost buses, bike rentals, scooter shares, and safer pedestrian infrastructure. Join local efforts, contact elected officials, and support organizations pushing for equitable transit policies.
Organizations Making a Difference
Visit our Resources page for a full directory of government and nonprofit support programs and services.
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