Automobiles have been part of North American culture since Henry rolled out his first Model A in 1903. And for most of us, cars are most definitely not just about transportation They've assumed a unique place in society, becoming potent symbols of affluence and independence, with all the emotional bondage that implies. People name their cars, and like vehicular cues on a timeline people also remember the cars in their lives: first car (VW Beetle), first new car (84 Honda Civic), best car (Rhonda the Honda), worst car (Bobcat) and so on.
I'd always sort of hoped we'd be flying around with jetpacks on our backs by now, but that apparently isn't an option yet, at least not on our planet. But although I'm not ready to give up my car, I am willing to at least take a good, long look at some of the alternatives.
Walking is probably the most reliable mode of transportation, even if it's not the fastest way to get from point A to point B. It's good for you, too; walking relieves stress and burns calories. And it's cheap. Even a great pair of walking shoes can be had for less than a hundred dollars -- pretty good mileage there. On the downside, weather can be a major deterrent, as can long distances.
Hitchhiking is something I just can't endorse, no matter how thrifty or energy-saving it may seem. A friend and I did hitchhike short distances when I was younger; it makes me shudder now to think of how dangerous that can be. But here at Suite 101, Bernd Wechner has a different point of view. Check out his topic, Hitch-hiking, for a more thumbs-up perspective.
Public transportation can be great. When the buses, trains and subways are running on time, and not totally crammed full of people, public transportation is the way to go. Even frequent use is cheaper than the costs of owning and operating your own vehicle. And frequent users can often purchase monthly passes as well, which could save you even more money. The environment wins, too: fewer vehicles on the roadways means less congestion and healthier air.
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