11/24 - living car-free

I moved to Cleveland without a car. She was an SUV named Suzie, and I lost her before the move. I was familiar with public transit before, but upon moving, my relationship would have to grow greatly. 

Now, without a car, how will I get around the city? I've lived in cities with robust transit before, but moving to the Midwest without a car would be a big challenge. Was Cleveland transit friendly enough to get around without a car?

Short answer, not easily. The transit system in Cleveland, while more robust that I'd imagined, is still lacking in many ways. But the experience has been manageable. Buses often go to the places the train (Clevelanders call it "the rapid") misses. Trains and buses come around their scheduled times, although sometimes with massive headways.

But I think that friction really pushes me though. I guess I just like having different challenges this go around. Instead of worrying about parking and gas prices, I have to worry about schedules and commute times.

People often ask me how I do it. I simply tell them it's possible. It's not easy or fun. But it's possible. And I think that means more than going on and on about transit funding or environmental concerns. For many people, they don't see a world without a car. For years, I was the same way. 

Showing people that you can live in a city and get around without a car, for me, is the first step. I've started telling people, once they know it's possible, to just try it for one outing. Instead of driving, try taking a bus or train. It's slow and inconvenient and sometimes, a little scary. But it's also invigorating and charming and doable, even if not all the time.

Also, don't forget, you pay for it. Go get your money's worth.