I used to be a car owner. Since I was a little kid, I always saw car ownership as a symbol of independence, autonomy, and as a status symbol.
Now, whenever I see people driving big SUVs, the first thought that comes to my mind is this:
Those people are assholes!
The second thought that comes to my mind is this:
I hope someone keys their car, that would be fair retribution for the damage they create to the environment.
Then I continue walking.
When I was a teenager, and I didn’t know any better, I did have a gas guzzler. I wanted to make a lot of noise with the engine of the car, get girls to look at me. Only later in life, many girls told me that they don’t care that much about car.
To be honest, my status as a dance teacher and photographer has helped me find more female companion than any car ever will.
Then as I became an adult, I became aware of the expenses associated with having a big car. I also became aware of the pollution created by automobiles. I started buying small, used cars. They would last me an average of five years. I spent a lot less on gas and insurance.
At the beginning of COVID I decided to sell my car and never to buy another one.
Yes, I am lucky. I live in neighborhood where not owning a car is possible. I get around by:
- Walking
- Taking the metro
- Using a bicycle sharing service
- Using a car sharing service
- And occasionally, by catching a ride with a friend.
In spite of working as a photographer, and going to places where there is no easy access to public transportation, I manage to get around.
My total monthly transportation expenses are about $100 per month and I don’t have the stress of being responsible for a car.
I don’t deal with:
Parking,
Car insurance,
Car repairs,
Parking tickets,
Change of seasonal tires,
Digging the car out of the snow,
Spending time at the car mechanic
If I had a car, let’s say a a 5 year old Honda Civic, this is how much it would cost me:
Car payment $350
Insurance $100
Gas $50
Parking tickets $80
Maintenance and repair $50
Registration $20
Neighborhood parking sticker $20
For a total of $679
Let’s round it up to $700 per month.
Wow… if I am saving $600 per month, and to be honest, I am not giving up much convenience.
Walking keeps me in shape
I walk every day (even during winter) between 20 minutes to 60 minutes. Walking has been fantastic for my physical and mental health. I am 55 years old, and I maintain my body in great shape and I always feel optimistic about the future. Cost $Free.
Public transportation
Montreal has an amazing public transportation system managed by the Société de transport de Montréal. The buses and metros are clean and mostly on time. I love that I get to read at least one chapter of whichever book I am reading at the moment while being transported from one corner of the city to the other. A monthly subscription costs $94.
Bicycle sharing service
There is a wonderful bike sharing service in Montreal called Bixi. The cost of membership comes to $18/month. What a wonderful way to stay in good health and save money.
Become a member of a car sharing service
There must be a car sharing service in every major city in North America.
In Montreal, I am part of a car sharing service called Commuauto, where I have access to access to a fleet of hundreds of vehicles that can be rented at low cost for a few minutes, an hour, a day, or longer!
Access a vehicle for as little as 35¢/min, $3.35/hour, $26.80/day, or $149.75/week at the Long Distance rate with our Value plans (per km fees extra).
Get an electric bike
An electric bike seems like a great compromise for those who need a bit more flexibility and who don’t like public transportation. An electric bike can cost about $2,000 and the range is in the neighborhood of 40Km. Enough range to go from one extreme of the island to the other.
Final words
Not everyone is in a position to give up their car, but at the very least, don’t be an asshole, don’t buy a big gasoline powered SUV.