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Why do people prefer cars over public transport?
(lemmy.world)
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this post was submitted on 15 Jun 2023
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US resident, I did public transport almost solely for years and was luckly to live in an area that had ok coverage from both a Bus and Rail system.
The bus I needed though only ran once every 45 minutes , so if I missed it Im way behind schedule.
That took me to a train system that ran every ~10 minutes during morning/evening commute - but every 20 outside that. Less than that in the evening or weekend hours.
Groceries - you're limited to what you are can carry , getting on or off.
All manner of people on the trains - most were good people just doing their thing, but then there are the homeless, the drunks, professional panhanlders, or downright mentally ill people who at best would ask you to spare some change, at worse you'd deal with a big ole cup of crazy while you're out and about. And someone jerk always playing music on blast instead of through headphones.
If you're lucky - the bus stop is close to your home, if not you hike a few blocks. Thats fine on the good days, but it sucks in the summer when its like taking a stroll through the 7th level of hell. Winter is great as you try not to fall and bust your ass on the ice, as you slowly lose feeling in your toes because you dressed for office attire that day, not skiing. Rain was always the best since some drivers would love to hit water puddles and splash you if you could, others did it on accident. Coming home from work - fine, you get to shower and change into dry clothes in a few minutes. The worst was when it happened on the way too work though - so now you have to choose if you keep a spare set of clothes in a bag, or if its an option at work.
Social life - not exactly a great look to say, what bus route are you on?
Limited distance - oh, you're interested in some cool event, what happens if its not in transit range? you either catch an uber or a lift from a friend.
The timing discipline needed - if the bus only runs every x, and the train only runs every y , and I have to be at X place at X time, that now means I have to leave 30min to an hour earlier than I'd need to by car to make sure I get there on time. And if you have a chance to leave work early? guess what you're not waiting for the bus , on a non-rush hour timetable so enjoy the wait.
A car - meant I could go when and where for as long as I please. More of my time was mine since I didn't have to account for interval times of routes, I could plan groceries better , transport sports or music gear easier when needed. Distance was no longer a limiting factor. Climate controlled car in the summer and winter and I get to stay dry during the commute? Not dealing with crazy people every day. It all takes a mental and physical toll on you.
Transit was doable I guess, but it wasn't enjoyable - the car was easier in all aspects of life.
An unfortunate side of how car-centric things have gotten in the US is that even if we do decide to expand & invest in public transportation, everything is so spread out to accommodate cars that it'll be near impossible to make things cheap, convenient, and effective.