Carless in Victoria is possible because we have user friendly public transport AND I live in funky Fernwood, which means I can walk, bike or bus to downtown under half an hour. Walking to town is a pleasant 30 minute stroll along tree lined residential roads. I sound like an advert for the tourist board!
When I need a car (especially for transporting Recycle2shop’s ’stuff’ to market) I walk 3 blocks to pick up my Victoria Carshare Coop truck or car.
Took the bus to town the other day (raining the proverbial) and the bus driver was amazing - yes, he actually waited for the less able to sit down before he took off and he slowly braked when coming up to a stop - sometimes we look like a bunch of drunks waiting to get off, a tad unsteady on the feet as some drivers like to think they are on a rally course. I feel like a ‘grumpy old woman’ some days when a passenger who obviously needs to sit is left standing by some lumpen’ youth (see what I mean about ‘grumpy’). However, on that same bus trip one young man after another stood up with alacrity when the need arose-astonishing. Obviously our bus driver’s considerate ‘aura’ was leaking out to the rest of us.
Try out the bus system, leave your car at home and take part in a really interesting bus ride.