Problems and Solutions - a car-free life
by Tao Oliveto, Mpls., MN
Jerry likes to say true things often - he says it helps things stick. One of my favorites is, “The truth is your best tool” because well, it’s truer than anything else I can think of. He also will remind me, “If there is no solution, there’s no problem”, though sometimes I just frown when he says that because I don’t like to accept that there is no solution to problems. So I instead remind him that sometimes the solution just shows up later. Sorry Jerry!
And I just found one of those things. Say you live in the city where there is a free bus system, bikable roads and a town center where most services and amenities are within walking distance. So, the thought of giving up your car sounds pretty doable and exciting - no more maintenance, taxes, insurance and repair costs! The problem: what about emergencies and/or unpredictable circumstances?
The Solution: Guaranteed Ride Home programs! They are often sponsored by counties, cities, or transit agencies, but may also be sponsored by individual employers.
If you register for the program, you’ll qualify for a set number of trips home per year (often two to six.) If an emergency arises, typically you call the Guaranteed Ride Home coordinator and they’ll call you a cab, although in some programs you can skip that step and just call the cab yourself (either filing for reimbursement later or using some sort of voucher.)
I know, there are other circumstances where you just may need a ride - but car-share and ride share programs have already solved that problem. Remember, you don’t need to be part of an organized group - you could share a car with a few friends and neighbors so you can still get the dog to the vet or bring home heavy items from the garden store.
That reminds me of another phrase I’ve tried to live by:
WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A WAY!
Keep your head engaged in solutions and pass it on! Tao
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