Exploring Transportation Options; One Car Families in a Two Car World

Most families with two adult drivers find it necessary to have two cars. While having two cars certainly makes transportation options much easier, it is possible for two adult drivers to share a single car, and still get to where they need to go. When my boyfriend moved in with me this summer, shorly after selling his non-functional truck, we knew that we would have to share a car for some time. Luckily, there are many transportation options for one car families in a two car world.

Explore carpooling options

One of the best transportation options for most Americans is to carpool with friends or co-workers. After all, your co-workers are going to the same place you are, and most of them have room in their car for an additional passenger. As long as it isn't too far out of their way, you can probably safely ask a co-worker to pick you up or drop you off occasionally or even regularly. If you can return the favor, offering your co-worker rides on certain days, he or she will likely appreciate the chance to take a day off from driving. If you cannot return the favor, be sure to thank them regularly, and consider giving them an occasional gift as another method of expressing your gratitude. Even homemade cookies go a long way to showing your appreciation for their assistance.

Explore public transit options

If your city has a strong public transit system, it offers a wonderful transportation option for those who need to get from one place to another. There is typically a small cost associated with using public transit, but when compared to the cost of buying and maintaining an additional car, the costs are miniscule. While public transit is not ideal for all commuters, and while the sad truth remains that many American cities have poor public transit options, it can greatly assist some families in their transportation options.

Walk or ride a bike

Possibly the least feasible option of those listed here is walking or riding a bike. If you are fortunate enough to live in a small town, you may be lucky enough to live within walking or biking distance of your school or job. This is a particularly good option in college towns, where housing options are plentiful near campus. The most difficult part of this option, aside from distance restrictions, is the weather. What is a pleasant walk or bike ride in the spring and autumn may be unbearable in other seasons. Still, if it is possible to walk or ride your bike, you really reduce the need for a car for many excursions within town.

Work around schedule limitations

Finally, some families will find that they are able to share a single vehicle if their schedules are compatible. For example, if one person works days and the other works nights, they may very well be able to use the same vehicle. This transportation option may also work with two people on a similar schedule, if one can be dropped off en route to the other person's destination.

While some combination of all of these transportation options may be necessary for a one car family in a two car world, it is entirely possible for two adults to share a car without too much difficulty. Explore the transportation options available to you, see what will best fit your needs, and you may discover that you can get by with a single car. Then, enjoy the reduced expenses that such a lifestyle can grant you!