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Alternative Transportation: Putting It Together

You can consider going "car-lite" by walking, biking and taking public transportation more often.

by Education and Outreach, AARP

En español | Now that you know your options for getting around without your car, what’s stopping you? Consider:

Conserving Gas ... and Your Cash

Using public transit isn’t just easier on the environment; it’s also easier on your wallet. Depending on where you live and how far you drive, the savings can total over $10,000 a year, according to November 2009 figures assembled by the American Public Transportation Association. Savings will vary widely and will depend on how much you pay for gas, parking and other driving expenses. To get an idea of how much you might save, compare your annual costs of commuting by car versus public transportation with the Transit Savings Calculator.

  • Going car-lite is a choice millions of people make every day, whether or not they have a driver’s license.

  • When taking the bus, exit a stop or two early and walk the rest of the way. Or ride your bike to the bus and load it on the rack to finish your trip.

  • Go “car-lite” and alternate car trips with other modes of transportation. In two-car households, using transportation options may allow you to keep one car and sell the other—or sell both cars and rent one when needed. You can also try convenient car-sharing services that allow you to use a car for short periods when you need it most.

  • To stay safe while driving, check out the AARP Driver Safety. Learn how to refresh your driving skills, save money, volunteer and find useful information and guidance about getting around.

  • For those times when you do drive, it’s important to make the proper adjustments in your car for comfort and safety. CarFit, a free educational program created by the American Society on Aging and developed in collaboration with AAA, AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association, offers a 12-point checklist to help you see how well your car “fits” you for proper seating, clear sight lines, and more.

  • Most important of all, have a backup plan in case driving is not possible, either temporarily or long term, or if family members or neighbors are unavailable to drive you. Try a new way of getting around now, before you need to. You might find you like it better than driving!

 

AARP is part of the National Complete Streets Coalition, a movement to help ensure that roads and sidewalks work for all users—pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities—as well as for drivers. Complete Streets policies have been adopted in more than 100 communities across the country, often with the help of AARP volunteers. Consider becoming part of a local or state Complete Streets effort.