To drive or not to drive

[DavidMn]

Ok, I've been thinking about this lately. I have 2 friends that havent driven in over 20 years, and they get around the city just fine. I'm kinda pondering the same thing. Not seriously yet, but I'm thinking about it. I really like to hear from some Ledgies that live in bigger cities that maybe dont drive and hear how it is for you. Both of my friends say they dont feel tied down at all, that the bus and light rail get them around just fine.

[Jyqm]

Ok, I've been thinking about this lately. I have 2 friends that havent driven in over 20 years, and they get around the city just fine. I'm kinda pondering the same thing. Not seriously yet, but I'm thinking about it. I really like to hear from some Ledgies that live in bigger cities that maybe dont drive and hear how it is for you. Both of my friends say they dont feel tied down at all, that the bus and light rail get them around just fine.

Granted, I was a college student at the time, but I lived near Chicago for four years and always got around find with public transportation, though a number of my friends had cars. I've always enjoyed riding the train. If you're in a city where the public transportation is good enough that a car really isn't necessary, then go for it. You'll save money, and it'll be better for the environment.

[dissention]

Ok, I've been thinking about this lately. I have 2 friends that havent driven in over 20 years, and they get around the city just fine. I'm kinda pondering the same thing. Not seriously yet, but I'm thinking about it. I really like to hear from some Ledgies that live in bigger cities that maybe dont drive and hear how it is for you. Both of my friends say they dont feel tied down at all, that the bus and light rail get them around just fine.

I try to drive only when I have to, otherwise I use the T. Driving here is just too stressful. The T goes everywhere, so it's no problem getting around. And I quite like riding on it. Call me crazy.

[DavidMn]

I try to drive only when I have to, otherwise I use the T. Driving here is just too stressful. The T goes everywhere, so it's no problem getting around. And I quite like riding on it. Call me crazy.You're in Boston right?

[DavidMn]

Maybe it's just one of those things for me that I've had a chance to see the world and the whole country, and I'm satisfied with that. The wholw environment thing is very intriging too. And what the hell, if Fleetwood Mac tours again, I can always fly or take a bus to a big sity to see them.:thumbsup:

[ragandbone]

I lived in San francisco for about 6 years without a car, and it was a freeing experience. The bus service was so terrible at that time that I ended up buying a mountain bike to get around. At least when you walk, and bike, you know exactly how long it will take to get where you are going, and don't have to account for parking or traffic. Well, maybe you have to account for fatigue. With my Victorian flat, 3 flights up, and all the hills, I was in really good shape.

I saved a lot of money in tickets car insurance gas, and repairs, and I didn't have to get up at 6 in the morning to move my car for street sweeping! It took me a year to stop jumping when I saw a good parking spot open up in front of my house.

I got a car again in order to be able to leave the City more easily (camping, some transportation intensive jobs, a few other reasons) and because I had a garage at that point. If I were still living in the City, I would try a carshare, which is a really cool way to have access to a car for big shopping trips, or pleasure trips - without having to beg rides. Carshare is really affordable, and makes sense in a city.

[sara1998]

I couldn't fathom not driving. But, public transportation in Indy sucks, too.

[dissention]

You're in Boston right?

Yeah. I usually buy the combo pass every month. I had been buying the combo plus pass for ages until I realized that I didn't have to because I never use the ferry and it wasn't worth it to save 30 cents on the express routes. I wonder how much extra cash I wasted on that damned thing. :laugh:

[wondergirl9847]

I have a permit, but no license or car. I work at home and only go out when I have to. My dad and mom haul my butt around, and my friend, Lori and I go out once a month to shop, see a movie, whatever. I'm such a homebody anyways....or am I a hermit? :laugh:

I wish we had better public transportation. We do have buses, the T and the new rail system, but you have to drive to get to it. LOL I can't really walk to any close transportation, except a bus. Bleck. Been there, done that. That's why I need to live in London....one of the MANY reasons. :nod:

[sara1998]

Yeah. I usually buy the combo pass every month. I had been buying the combo plus pass for ages until I realized that I didn't have to because I never use the ferry and it wasn't worth it to save 30 cents on the express routes. I wonder how much extra cash I wasted on that damned thing. :laugh:
And, where does the ferry take you??? Pardon the ignorance, but I'm intrigued!

[HomerMcvie]

I couldn't fathom not driving. But, public transportation in Indy sucks, too.
I hate driving. Traffic is so bad, everywhere, anymore. I fantasize about living in town again: 3 blocks from work, 1 block from my favorite pub, 1 block to Krogers. How nice that'd be.

[dissention]

And, where does the ferry take you??? Pardon the ignorance, but I'm intrigued!

Lots of places, but I have no reason to use them. :laugh: Long Wharf to the Charlestown Navy Yard, Hingham Shipyard to Rowes Wharf, Pemberton Point to Logan Airport, etc.

Maybe Suze uses the boats? Do you, Suze? :laugh:

[hayley]

I lived in Chicago for a couple of years without a car, until I got a job out in the suburbs. Dealing with the commute via public trans wasn't worth it. But if you can live without a car, do it. I loved taking the train. I always had my iPod/CD player and my knitting.

I have this habit of only dating guys who can't or don't drive, though, and it's frustrating. The guy I'm currently seeing is amazing- but he lives in the city and takes trans out to the suburbs to work, and doesn't have a car. So no matter who's place we stay at or wherever we do anything, I'm either driving us around out where I live and taking him to work, or doing the drive of shame in the morning, and it's driving me nuts.

[SuzeQuze]

Lots of places, but I have no reason to use them. :laugh: Long Wharf to the Charlestown Navy Yard, Hingham Shipyard to Rowes Wharf, Pemberton Point to Logan Airport, etc.

Maybe Suze uses the boats? Do you, Suze? :laugh:

No but my cousin had a place in Hull and used them, she loved it. I walk by the wharf every day though, I walk to work unless I have an appointment or something where I need my car. My doctor is out in Brookline and to take the T out there takes forEVER, its awful. I want to get rid of my car because of the horrible parking situation here but I also am having trouble letting go of it! I love tha car. Ugh.

[DavidMn]

Yeah. I usually buy the combo pass every month. I had been buying the combo plus pass for ages until I realized that I didn't have to because I never use the ferry and it wasn't worth it to save 30 cents on the express routes. I wonder how much extra cash I wasted on that damned thing. :laugh:God, I love Boston. My favorite city I've ever been to.:nod:

[SuzeQuze]

I lived in Chicago for a couple of years without a car, until I got a job out in the suburbs. Dealing with the commute via public trans wasn't worth it. But if you can live without a car, do it. I loved taking the train. I always had my iPod/CD player and my knitting.

I have this habit of only dating guys who can't or don't drive, though, and it's frustrating. The guy I'm currently seeing is amazing- but he lives in the city and takes trans out to the suburbs to work, and doesn't have a car. So no matter who's place we stay at or wherever we do anything, I'm either driving us around out where I live and taking him to work, or doing the drive of shame in the morning, and it's driving me nuts.

That sucks Hayl. Tell him to be the man! :lol: JK, but tell him its annoying maybe and perhaps he'll do a car share or something to share the driving burden? I don't know. And you didn't even ask for advice. :sorry:

[sara1998]

I want to get rid of my car because of the horrible parking situation here

OK, I don't get it. What do you mean? I've never been there. Do I take parking for granted??? I mean, every place of business here has ample parking.

[DavidMn]

I have to say that people from Boston get a really bad rap. I've heard how they're so standoffish and unfriendly. But that is definitely not the case, at least as far as I'm concerned.

[DavidMn]

OK, I don't get it. What do you mean? I've never been there. Do I take parking for granted??? I mean, every place of business here has ample parking.Boston was designed over 350 years ago, and unfortunately for the residents of that fine city that wish to drive, the streets are well, I like to say F**ked up.:lol:

[dissention]

Do I take parking for granted???

Yes... :laugh:

Parking is a bitch here. It's even worse than the actual traffic. Might as well walk or ride on the T instead of fighting for a parking spot. And parking garages just love to rip you off. I refuse to park under the Prudential Tower anymore because they try to steal from me on a constant basis.

[SuzeQuze]

OK, I don't get it. What do you mean? I've never been there. Do I take parking for granted??? I mean, every place of business here has ample parking.

Parking in this area is $24 a day. Or you can buy your own spot for $300 a month or more. There is a parking lot here that is $8 for the work day but that isn't over night. There is minimal free parking for residents in my neighborhood. However there aren't enough spots for the number of cars so it can be very difficult to park after the evening commute or on a Sunday night.

[SuzeQuze]

Boston was designed over 350 years ago, and unfortunately for the residents of that fine city that wish to drive, the streets are well, I like to say F**ked up.:lol:

Friggin cow paths. :distress:

[dissention]

Friggin cow paths. :distress:

:laugh: :laugh: That's priceless.

[DavidMn]

Friggin cow paths. :distress:Oh man, but that Italian North End. I would weigh 500 pounds in less than a year if I spent any amount of time in that part of town. Man I could go for some North End food right now!!!:woohoo:

[SuzeQuze]

:laugh: :laugh: That's priceless.

Thx. :D Its also not designed for kitten heels. All the cobblestones and bricks chew the rubber off the heel in one season. But I love the cobblestone. :)

[estranged4life]

but to drive. The town we reside in is 26 miles from the nearest place to shop (Ucking-fay Wal-Mart), 40 miles from the larger city (Lawton, Which is a typical military town-Liquor stores & pawn shops galore...Not my kinda town) and 90 miles from a true metropolitan area (OKC).

Deb drives 90 miles roundtrip for work (I did too before I fell ill) since there's no jobs in this rural cesspool of a town.

So driving is just another evil necessity (Thank God gas is under $2 a gallon in this state!!!)

[DavidMn]

but to drive. The town we reside in is 26 miles from the nearest place to shop (Ucking-fay Wal-Mart), 40 miles from the larger city (Lawton, Which is a typical military town-Liquor stores & pawn shops galore...Not my kinda town) and 90 miles from a true metropolitan area (OKC).

Deb drives 90 miles roundtrip for work (I did too before I fell ill) since there's no jobs in this rural cesspool of a town.

So driving is just another evil necessity (Thank God gas is under $2 a gallon in this state!!!)Under $2. Wow

[sara1998]

Parking in this area is $24 a day. Or you can buy your own spot for $300 a month or more. There is a parking lot here that is $8 for the work day but that isn't over night. There is minimal free parking for residents in my neighborhood. However there aren't enough spots for the number of cars so it can be very difficult to park after the evening commute or on a Sunday night.
Parking is a bitch here. It's even worse than the actual traffic. Might as well walk or ride on the T instead of fighting for a parking spot. And parking garages just love to rip you off. I refuse to park under the Prudential Tower anymore because they try to steal from me on a constant basis.
That is f*cking insane. I can't imaging a $300 a month parking bill.... So glad I'm in the 'burbs and hava a garage....

[SuzeQuze]

Oh man, but that Italian North End. I would weigh 500 pounds in less than a year if I spent any amount of time in that part of town. Man I could go for some North End food right now!!!:woohoo:

The only reason I am not a cow is because I am too cheap to buy food out all the time! The food here is amazing. Mikes has these new chocolate mousse canoli. They are dipped in chocolate, filled with mousse and the ends have mini chocolate chips on them. Sooooo good.

[DavidMn]

The only reason I am not a cow is because I am too cheap to buy food out all the time! The food here is amazing. Mikes has these new chocolate mousse canoli. They are dipped in chocolate, filled with mousse and the ends have mini chocolate chips on them. Sooooo good.BTW you ever been to the Union Oyster House?. Another of my favorites. I think Ive been there about 5 times. Also, there's this place on Atlantic avenue I've been to called The Sail Loft. Its like this place right on the pier. I'm wondering if it's still there cause it's been since 1999 that Ive been to Boston. Far too long

[SuzeQuze]

That is f*cking insane. I can't imaging a $300 a month parking bill.... So glad I'm in the 'burbs and hava a garage....

They're nazis too. We have tourbus parking all over the city and if you park there overnight and are in the spot even a few minutes past 8:00, they'll tow your car which means a $75 ticket and at least $120 towing fee! Bast*rds. Plus now we have street cleaning and it its impossible to keep up with the schedule with what all else is on my mind. $25 a pop for that. :mad:

It is crazy. And employers here don't care, they rarely subsidize or provide parking.

[SuzeQuze]

BTW you ever been to the Union Oyster House?. Another of my favorites. I think Ive been there about 5 times. Also, there's this place on Atlantic avenue I've been to called The Sail Loft. Its like this place right on the pier. I'm wondering if it's still there cause it's been since 1999 that Ive been to Boston. Far too long

:) Yes, Sail Loft is still here. I've been to both. :thumbsup:

[DavidMn]

:) Yes, Sail Loft is still here. I've been to both. :thumbsup:Theyre both incredible arent they?

[Serrart]

I don't drive, I still haven't taken the driving licence, even if I should. It would make my everyday life simpler and would work to end my usual lack of punctuality. But I don't feel any need to own a car and I love the time spent reading or listening music on subway trains and buses.

Romy

[SuzeQuze]

Theyre both incredible arent they?

Now that I think about it, I haven't eaten at the Sail Loft. Its a big meeting/pickup spot for some reason! I've just been there for drinks. My roommate and I were in line there once and we had already been somewhere else. These girls got in front of us and were in the process of being let in. So I said, "Why are those hos being let in before us?" :lol: The people in line cracked up. I'm lucky I did not get my face bashed in. :shocked:

[DavidMn]

Now that I think about it, I haven't eaten at the Sail Loft. Its a big meeting/pickup spot for some reason! I've just been there for drinks. My roommate and I were in line there once and we had already been somewhere else. These girls got in front of us and were in the process of being let in. So I said, "Why are those hos being let in before us?" :lol: The people in line cracked up. I'm lucky I did not get my face bashed in. :shocked:Naughty girl. What I remember most is that I had a meal there once which consisted of Lobster, Scallops and assorted fish for about $25. Whole meal!! ANd it tasted like it was right off the boat, which it probably was.

[DavidMn]

Now that I think about it, I haven't eaten at the Sail Loft. Its a big meeting/pickup spot for some reason! I've just been there for drinks. My roommate and I were in line there once and we had already been somewhere else. These girls got in front of us and were in the process of being let in. So I said, "Why are those hos being let in before us?" :lol: The people in line cracked up. I'm lucky I did not get my face bashed in. :shocked:Speaking of driving, is that nasty Central Artery highway gone now that the tunnell has been put in? GOd that thing was an eyesore:distress:

[amber]

Ok, I've been thinking about this lately. I have 2 friends that havent driven in over 20 years, and they get around the city just fine. I'm kinda pondering the same thing. Not seriously yet, but I'm thinking about it. I really like to hear from some Ledgies that live in bigger cities that maybe dont drive and hear how it is for you. Both of my friends say they dont feel tied down at all, that the bus and light rail get them around just fine.
It's okay. I mean, I save tons of money on parking, towing, insurance, and that. It's heinously hard to park in the city and in berkeley and oakland.
However, it's more inconvenient when I go grocery shopping, or really when I want to be able to buy anything large at all. Also, I miss the fact that I can't drive to Stinson beach, or sausalito, or back up in the hills of tilden park. But I'm assuming you will keep your car, just not use it much, right? Just kind of for emergencies and trips and stuff?
Also, I have to carry a backpack all the time to put my stuff in, but that's not really a big deal.
So, if you will save money on parking - you should go without the car. Don't get rid of the car, though.

[cliffdweller]

Lots of places, but I have no reason to use them. :laugh: Long Wharf to the Charlestown Navy Yard, Hingham Shipyard

I'm imagining you saying, "Yahd" at the end of every name :laugh:. Do you have a thick Bostonian accent?

[DavidMn]

It's okay. I mean, I save tons of money on parking, towing, insurance, and that. It's heinously hard to park in the city and in berkeley and oakland.
However, it's more inconvenient when I go grocery shopping, or really when I want to be able to buy anything large at all. Also, I miss the fact that I can't drive to Stinson beach, or sausalito, or back up in the hills of tilden park. But I'm assuming you will keep your car, just not use it much, right? Just kind of for emergencies and trips and stuff?
Also, I have to carry a backpack all the time to put my stuff in, but that's not really a big deal.
So, if you will save money on parking - you should go without the car. Don't get rid of the car, though.Good advice Amber. Thanks.:nod:

[sara1998]

They're nazis too. We have tourbus parking all over the city and if you park there overnight and are in the spot even a few minutes past 8:00, they'll tow your car which means a $75 ticket and at least $120 towing fee! Bast*rds. Plus now we have street cleaning and it its impossible to keep up with the schedule with what all else is on my mind. $25 a pop for that. :mad:

It is crazy. And employers here don't care, they rarely subsidize or provide parking.
Street cleaning? Is it really that dirty?? We don't do that here. And as far as my employer is concerned.... we own half the southside of Indianapolis!!! hahaha! Our 25 year employees have reserved spaces, and I have a pretty close spot every day.

[dissention]

BTW you ever been to the Union Oyster House?. Another of my favorites. I think Ive been there about 5 times. Also, there's this place on Atlantic avenue I've been to called The Sail Loft. Its like this place right on the pier. I'm wondering if it's still there cause it's been since 1999 that Ive been to Boston. Far too long

Union Oyster House has the greatest onion soup known to mankind. I used to go there practically every day for lunch. I don't think I've been there in months.

[skcin]

I pretty much have to drive. Public transportation sucks big-time here. It's bad. I've never even been on the bus or Metrorail (our ghetto version of a subway that goes nowhere.)

Now, if I lives in a place where I could use public transportation, I would do it, at least to get to & from work.

[dissention]

I'm imagining you saying, "Yahd" at the end of every name :laugh:. Do you have a thick Bostonian accent?

No, it's not thick. :laugh: I've got one, but it's nowhere nearly as bad as the one some people have.

[markolas]

I loathe driving. But it's a necessary evil. One of the things about Austin (well, two things actually) that make driving particularly irritating is the fact that there are no street signs anywhere...I used to get sooo f*cking lost when I first moved here. Plus, every major thoroughfare has 2 or 3 different names. And I *cannot* abide driving in downtown Austin. If I lived central or south, I'd have to get rid of my car. It makes me a nervous f*cking wreck. Luckily, I live up north. But if you live up here, you have to have a car, because public transportation is kind of sucky...and if you live too far up north, it's nonexistent.

I'm sure I wouldn't last 15 minutes driving in Boston. :laugh:

[catinthedark]

Public transport in Toronto is actually really good - the streetcars are the best. But I live a 25 minute walk from the heart of downtown, and a 7-minute streetcar ride from it, so I may be spoiled. But compared to Montreal, you can get around a whole lot faster in Toronto by PT. The metro system in Montreal, however, is really extensive and great in the winter.

That being said... I'd never give up my car. I don't drive it everyday, but I love the freedom it gives me. I can take off anytime for a road trip, do groceries so easily (and take my friend grocery shopping), and just do anything spur of the moment - like go to the beach (half hour drive away).

[SuzeQuze]

Street cleaning? Is it really that dirty?? We don't do that here. And as far as my employer is concerned.... we own half the southside of Indianapolis!!! hahaha! Our 25 year employees have reserved spaces, and I have a pretty close spot every day.

Unfortunately it does get pretty dirty. Tons of tourists come here and somehow the streets wind up strewn with litter. Its also partly due to the wind we get which can blow trash, put out for pick up, around the streets. Plus the sand build up from sanding the streets in winter.

I don't even care about a close spot anymore! A spot would make me so happy.

[sara1998]

Unfortunately it does get pretty dirty. Tons of tourists come here and somehow the streets wind up strewn with litter. Its also partly due to the wind we get which can blow trash, put out for pick up, around the streets. Plus the sand build up from sanding the streets in winter.

I don't even care about a close spot anymore! A spot would make me so happy.
I'm not trying to make a big deal out of it, but it's just interesting to me.

[DavidMn]

Unfortunately it does get pretty dirty. Tons of tourists come here and somehow the streets wind up strewn with litter. Its also partly due to the wind we get which can blow trash, put out for pick up, around the streets. Plus the sand build up from sanding the streets in winter.

I don't even care about a close spot anymore! A spot would make me so happy.I remember when I was in Boston last time, and it was right near the Boston Massacre sight, adn this guy was selling toasted sweet almonds. I was in F**KIN HEAVEN!!!:nod:

[DavidMn]

Union Oyster House has the greatest onion soup known to mankind. I used to go there practically every day for lunch. I don't think I've been there in months.Isnt it charming how cramped it is in there too. I actually still have some napkins I took from there the last time I ate there. Very nice priniting on them. I think its the oldest continously operating resturant in the country.

[DavidMn]

No, it's not thick. :laugh: I've got one, but it's nowhere nearly as bad as the one some people have.I actually like the New England accent more than the New York one.