The $ky-high-way might be losing money, but I'm certainly saving.
I got lucky and sold my vehicle almost two months ago for what I owed on it, and in that time have saved a lot of money. My lifestyle and the things that I like to do have not changed one bit - in fact, they have improved.
My truck payment was $374, and my insurance was $180, per month. I also had to pay $45 to park my vehicle downtown where I live. I estimated an additional and conservative $200 per month in gasoline, maintenance and upkeep. Over two months that's $1,598, or let's say $1600.
I haven't really walked more than I did in the past when I had my truck: IE, anytime I wanted to go somewhere downtown such as to class @ FSCJ, to Marks' or the Landing, I walked. Vehicle or not. When I have walked more, I haven't regretted it, as it meant more things to see on foot and more enjoyment of things such as the riverwalk, etc.
I have taken several taxi rides, and it's been nowhere NEAR as expensive as owning my own vehicle. I've also realized that my friends don't mind driving, when we decide to go somewhere outside of the neighborhood.
I haven't cut back on anything - in fact, I have gone out more often because of the money I've saved and the fact that I don't have to worry about DUI - and it has cost me about $600 for the last two months, total. That's with generous tips to the taxi drivers. I've saved pretty much $1000 over the last two months and have to say that I have enjoyed my life more than I ever have. I would save even more if I mastered the bus system or if it were a bit more user friendly.
A lot of people are balking at my decision. I have to wholeheartedly disagree, because I have an extra 2-3 hours each day, as opposed to a 2-3 hour commute in horrendous traffic every day. I don't spend $600+ per month in gasoline and maintenance bills because of the long distances needed to travel. I've experienced a lifestyle improvement worth keeping for the rest of my life, and I've also saved an extra $500 per month in my pocket to play with or save. How much would $500 per month in savings help people in this stagnant economy? If I had to take a long trip, I could rent a car - it would still be cheaper. I'd rather take a train or a bus, though ;)
This is obviously different for those who don't live Downtown, or who have jobs off of Baymeadows, Old St. Augustine, or have to go to their daycare in Mandarin, as examples. This is where the public transportation system plays a key role in making it happen for other people. (Although I think more people should live downtown ;D) A special set of circumstances makes for a very happy me, but I would like everyone to be able to have the option!
More people would catch onto this same notion and be able to painlessly adjust their lifestyle if the transportation options were out there and were more approachable. I'd rather the public transportation lose a few million each year to make up the difference in the amount people could save in an economy thats one foot in the grave. How much would it cost the powers-that-be if nobody could afford... anything?
Go Appleman! There ARE parts of Jacksonville where that works. We are down to one car from two since we moved to Riverside and it sits in the garage most days. Walking and bicycling works around here except when we need to go to Lakeshore Produce.
Bus or Riverside Trolley goes downtown for the library or lunch at Magnificat Cafe. I think the key to carless living is having a grocery store close enough for a taxi or walking. You have the downtown Winn-Dixie and we have the Publix.
The truck payment was not that bad, but Stephen, why was your insurance rate so high? But I agree with what you are doing if you live downtown or close to downtown (where you work?), and if a vehicle is not a mandate necessity. I would love to do what you are doing, but my job requires me not to. The savings could be enormous with me as well if I sold my van...now let's see...400.00/month car payment, 200.00/gas, another 100.00/month give or take a month or two for maintenance, close to 1,000/month savings per month; can save up for a brand new car with much lower payments if credit is bad, or, $0 down with good or near perfect credit (might take half a year or more if you have bad credit but is possible). Something for Y'ALL to think about.
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Quote from: braeburn on September 07, 2009, 01:20:28 PM
The $ky-high-way might be losing money, but I'm certainly saving.
If they'd extend the darn thing and think of innovative successful ways to make it work along with the current transit system they might start MAKING money.
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My insurance was that high because of the minimums required by my brokerage when I worked as a real estate agent.
I'd rather the transportation system lose a little money if it means making up for it via other methods; when you add accessibility to such things by helping people save money, it pays off in the long run. Also, by staying local I support local businesses.
I'd rather have it that way as opposed to the Wal-Mart world many people live in.
Thanks for sharing this experience.
There are so many possibilities with what you could do with the extra time you save from not sitting in traffic. You may decide you want to spend those hours relaxing, socializing or doing more of the things that you enjoy. You could also dedicate a portion of that time studying or even learning material to be covered in future lectures. Those hours could also be used to earn additional income.
I still have my car, but related expenses have significantly decreased now that I live 1.4 miles from work. Excepting summer, I will usually walk to work so I only have gas expense every 4-6 weeks even with doing things at the beach or Orange Park. I also walk to Publix, Starbucks, Memorial Park, Sumo Sushi, Walgreens, Kickbacks and Park Place.
Unless I get tied up, I'll be walking to tomorrow night's Neighborhood Watch meeting.
From 2001 to 2004 I went carless. I felt a huge burden lift off my chest. I was surprised how well I handled it. I used the bus and skyway mostly, but I also walked a lot. I take my hat off to you. I must say I know how you feel, I think it's great. My job later required me to have a vehicle.
I went carless for 5-years in the early 90's thanks to the State (and my 2 DUI's). ;D
DavidWilliams,
Perhaps you could share your experiences?
Methinks he prolly drove anyway.
That sounds pretty risky - isn't that a felony?
I was more wondering what his carless experiences were like, given that DUI's are very common (I've had one before). When something like that happens, and you have obligations, a job, a social life, etc., it can be very crippling and make one feel like they are out of options. Even in this economy, when people could be losing their vehicle. Or people who just can't afford the ride any longer.
Voluntary or not, being carless should not be or feel like an end to a persons livelihood, no matter the circumstances. In fact, it can be an improvement, such as in my case. This is especially true when there are options in a city that feels like there are no options left - such as relocating into an urban setting.
Didn't drive at all (believe it or not). Depended on family and friends. Fortunately, I had good family and friends.
Think how much HEALTHY you are by doing all that extra walking too. Not to mention the lack of stress from driving in traffic.
Five years!? Ouch! Hope you learned the lesson.
I am looking forward to driving less in the future as I will be moving to the Peninsula in a month. My gf went 2 months without a car this spring and handled it pretty well. Unfortunately I will work about 5 miles from where I live, so biking will be a very rare method of transportation to and from.