This is why I love public transportation
I'm the first to admit I'm a total girl in a car... I've gotten much better, but I'm still that guy squealing like a girl in the passenger seat whenever I think the person driving hasn't per chance seen someone making a turn, or breaking, or they seem to be veering just a bit out of their lane.
I haven't driven a car in something like 5-6 years, I'm not really sure, I'd pretty much have to look it up. Mostly this is due to luxury... depending on where you live, like say, large parts of Chicago, having a car can be a real nightmare. Just dealing with parking is a hassle, and public transportation in its many forms is abundant. Buses, the El, taxis, trains... and it really wasn't something you had to worry about where I was at in Vegas.
At times its an inconvenience, and sure it can be awkward when you get those doe-eyed stares of incredulity from everyone you encounter who just sort of assumes if you're american you're into the combustible engine and you have to explain how, with your lifestyle its just not something you have to focus on generally, and that it isn't so much a problem you have with cars per se, but rather the other people are driving in them. I won't trust strangers with $0.50 to walk down and get me a soda, let alone strapped into 3,000 lbs of steel and glass and hurtling every which way around me.
But then a friend who would previously give you a hard time about it ends up in a situation like this, which is just plain wiggy, and you feel a sense of validation. Sucks for you though Patrick, sorry. But really it was a Subaru, so no great loss to the world since no one was hurt.
Posted by drunkenbatmanJuly 14, 2004, at 10:41 PM
Comments (4)
Posted by: solios at July 15, 2004 12:39 AM
I'm a busmonkey myself- have been for seven years. Drove for about six months previous to that and wrecked my vehicle. Twice.
I only "girl out", as it were, if the driver is totally wreckless, not paying attention, or otherwise absentminded. Not something you get with bus drivers. Most of the time, anyway.
Posted by: Mindflayer at July 15, 2004 05:24 AM
"But really it was a Subaru, so no great loss to the world since no one was hurt."
Hey now. Subaru is a great car.
As expected, the pain and stiffness is worse today. And now a work issue at 0530. Grrrr.
Posted by: Chris at July 15, 2004 07:03 AM
I've lived in Chicago for over two years now, and the El may be my favorite feature of the city for the reasons that you mentioned. The upside is that I can get anywhere I need to relatively easily and I don't worry about someone stealing or damaging my car, whether I need to move it for the streetcleaners, etc. I Imagine that this will be more of a bonus once I get into my new place that's spitting distance from Wrigley Field. The parking situation there is simply insane.
The only downside is that I get harrassed by a homeless guy every once in a while on the Red Line. However, if you're listening to music or doing something else, they tend to leave you be. (Though I"ve heard some other sketchy stories about the Red Line "After Hours".)
I have to agree with you - public transportation is the greatest.
That's how I feel whenever somebody is driving me around. When I started my current job it became practical to use the DC Metro and the commuter buses instead of driving. It still takes the same amount of time to commute, but I can take a nap instead of having to suffer driving thru this hellish mess every day.
After a month or so working here I gave away to a charity one of our two cars, since my driving average had dropped from 300+ miles/week to less than 50. Right now I am averaging maybe 5 miles/week so there is no reason for me to buy a second car.
The only thing that pisses me off now is that I never drive yet I am still stuck running maintenance errands for my wife's car.