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Kitty's Corner's avatar

As someone who doesnt drive, or know how, but has moved to a city where the buses run twice an hour, are often late and stop runnimg by 10pm during the week - I have seriously considered getting a car.

Moving to places like Seattle or NYC is expensive. Many cities have massive gaps in their public transit system. You can only get so far and then have to walk. Setting up shelters for all stops is very much not a priority. Having useful and reliable transit to get to other parts of the state is also a non-issue.

I have noticed that the average American really doesnt care about public transit. There is a massive cultural indifference; either get a car or be left behind. Which is kind of hilarious because some alt right people lose their minds at 15 minute cities. And cities themselves seem to see public transit as a courtesy they offer for living there but not a necessity.

I've aready reasoned that I will need to either get a car or leave the US (but still live in a major city). Having to walk for 45 minutes when it is 90 degrees outside because there is no bus service where you are going is a reality for many people. And Uber/Lyft arent always viable or affordable options.

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Iain Montgomery's avatar

I’d argue we need to treat it like a desirable consumer product, something so good that you want to pay to experience it. Even if the fare is ridiculously good value. A product so good that you’d feel insane for choosing to drive.

Sidewalks are still things people urinate on. A bit like a lot of America’s buses unfortunately.

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