It’s a privilege to live in a city where I have access to relatively reliable public transportation, and since I don’t own a car, I can use the money I’ve saved for investments, travel, and my mortgage.
A car made no sense in college
I studied in Seattle. I didn’t have the money for my own parking space, so I could easily get around by bus. I also lived close to campus, so my jobs as a journalist, course assistant, and writing tutor were easy to get to. My friends were just a few minutes’ walk away.
This made sense for me even after I got my first full-time job. The company I worked for was one town over, but there was a reliable bus line nearby that I could use to get to and from work. And once I got to campus, there were shuttles to get me around.
I never feel restricted by the bus
As a result, public transit has become a staple in my life, and over time even more routes have been built to connect my hometown, the city I live in, and beyond. I love the autonomy that comes with getting around on my own, and although I’m often tied to bus schedules, I never feel limited in what I can do.
As long as there is a bus (or several), I can go anywhere I want to adventure. Since I don’t have a car, I don’t have to worry about bills for car payments, gas, parking fees, and car insurance, not to mention regular and unexpected maintenance costs.
Despite the cost savings, I also have to make compromises. I spend a lot of time planning my bus routes, especially to nearby cities, often standing in the rain waiting for a transfer. Also, I usually limit my purchases to small quantities so I have a manageable load to get around.
I feel more connected to my neighborhood
Riding the bus has become a ritual for me, not just about saving money. I consider the bus ride my third place, a place where I can spend time doing things that make me happy. Usually that’s reading, writing my next story or newsletter, or replying to the unread messages and emails on my phone.
Memorizing the bus routes has also helped me explore Seattle’s neighborhoods. Each time the bus drove through the streets, I discovered new businesses and created a new mental map. I’m also lucky to have friends who usually give me a ride home after we spend time together.
I recently met up with a friend to walk her dog at a nearby park. On the way back to the car, she quickly asked, “Where are you going next and how can I help you get there?” Having this help from loved ones helps me experience things with others and alone without feeling limited. And if I ever need a ride, an occasional Uber ride is much more affordable than owning my own car.
It also helps that my partner of over five years has a car that we can use for trips that require a car, like trips to the grocery store or Target, trips to Portland and Vancouver, and days when we need to be out and about on our own time. And since I only have one parking space at my house, that’s one less thing to worry about.
This article was originally published in February 2024.
