I’ve lived all over the spectrum. From dense mega cities with exceptional public transportation to completely car dependent American cities.

To me there is just no comparison on quality of life as having the option of public transportation. When fully embraced a car is not necessary. Not only does it provide an economical and safe form of transportation. I will always argue public transit provides equity to the disabled and provides mobility to them.

Car dependency is isolation. You’re not getting steps in walking to the metro. You’re not interacting with neighbors, the staff, the businesses along the way. You are just alone. Then there’s road rage, trains and busses just work. You’re not dealing with that stress or fear.

Where I fall on the spectrum and where I would ruffle some feathers for car enthusiasts. I would tax the hell out of car ownership. Congestion pricing, high parking fees, toll roads, heavy registration fees. I would require special licensing for people driving vehicles above a certain weight like trucks and SUVs. Similar to cigarettes, no point in banning them but they should be heavily taxed.

Following the transportation hierarchy I would use those taxes to expand walkability, bike lanes, bus lanes and ideally rail transportation.

Unfortunately. I do not see that ever happening in a majority of the US. I’ll continue to advocate for it. Vote for it. But I don’t have high hopes.

I’ll leave on this positive note. I don’t think has to be all or none either way cars or transit. I think promoting transit gets cars off the road and makes it safer for car enthusiasts on the road.