November 16, 2006

Bus Chick, Transit Authority
Bus Riding 101: Location

By CARLA SAULTER

I often use this column to write about how great it is to live a bus-based life, but I rarely give practical information about how to adopt one. Starting this week, I’d like to change that. Between now and the end of the year (longer if there’s more to say), I’ll devote this space to best practices, tips, and recommendations to help you kick your car habit for good — a sort of car-free “how-to” guide in installments. Today’s subject: location, location, location.

Some people choose a neighborhood based on the reputation of its schools. A smart bus chick chooses hers based on its proximity to transit. And for good reason. Where you live is the single most important factor in determining your happiness and success as a full-time bus rider.

If you’re serious about going car free, choose a neighborhood with good transit coverage. I live on a corner where four bus routes stop, only a couple of blocks from two more. This means I have lots of options, and there’s almost always a bus coming. I have to take two buses to get to work, but because the first bus stops right in front of my house and both run every 10-15 minutes during peak hours, my commute is fairly painless.

Proximity to useful services is another key to successful carfreedom. My place is across the street from a library and within a few blocks of two major parks, several coffee shops, a community center, a grocery store, a video store, a dry cleaner, a drug store, a flower shop, and (don’t trip) a beauty supply. This means I can walk to take care of many errands that others must drive to to accomplish.

If you’re settling for a sidewalkless suburb with spread-out strip malls and hourly bus service because you think it’s cheaper, consider this: According to the American Automobile Association, the total annual cost (including gas, insurance, parking, maintenance, and depreciation) for an average mid-sized sedan in 2004 was $8,410. Drop that expensive habit, buy an annual Metro pass for $700, throw in another $700 for fare upgrades, Flexcar rentals, and occasional cabs, and you’ve still got an extra $7,000.

You might not even need the extra money. Apartment dwellers: You won’t have to pay to park in your complex’s garage. Condo owners: You can rent out your parking space and put the extra money on your mortgage. Homeowners: You won’t need a garage, and because you’ll be close to the amenities, you probably won’t need as much space. If you’re willing to make this single (admittedly major) change, your transition to full-time busing will be much easier. Plus, your life well probably get a lot more interesting. Dense, vibrant, pedestrian- and transit friendly neighborhoods are almost always a lot of fun.