Gotta agree with Cramer on that one.

Cosmo Kramer?

I sold my car in May and have been using mass transit ever since (and no, not because I’m facing foreclosure, but because I hated driving). I love it!

I’m saving approximately $300 per month, between gas, insurance, parking and maintenance, not to mention car payments if my car hadn’t already been paid off.

It started off as an experiment, I didn’t sell my car right away. But once I found out how versatile and useful our bus and trolley system is, I have been able to get to anywhere I need to go in a reasonable amount of time.

I would encourage anyone who lives within walking distance of a bus stop or trolley station to give it a try. On weekdays, most buses and trolleys run every 15 minutes, the weekends are not quite as convenient, most buses run on 30 minute schedules then.

that’s pretty cool, citydweller. So, where did you get your bus schedule? And trolley schedule? Can you find stuff online?

I’ve been thinking about taking the trolley to work. It would still involve a little walking, but I’m thinking about taking my bike for those parts. Can you take a bike on the trolley?

Also, what about going out at night with friends? How do you manage that?

Lastly, have you hear of noimpactman? He’s my hero!

Gotta love San Diego bus service. There is a stop every two blocks it seems; very efficient!

Unless you want to move faster than a brisk walk, that is.

Loser Cruiser? Hadn’t heard that one before. Pretty funny, and yes, the buses are certainly full of “characters”. However, there are usually enough “normal” people on the bus that I find the “losers” more amusing than threatening.

Temeculaguy, yes I totally agree, mass transit is not a practical option for people with kids. Although I do quite often see families on the trolley headed to Padre games.

Lindismith, yes there is a website at sdcommute.com. Click on “trip planner” and enter your starting point and destination and it will give you multiple options, depending on how far you are willing to walk. And yes, you can take your bike on the trolley and all the buses have bike racks as well. I see quite a few people with bikes riding the bus, everything from “losers” to triathlon looking types.

As far as going out at night, I haven’t done that yet on mass transit. I have a feeling it wouldn’t be as comfortable as during the day, especially if you’re traveling alone.

Mixxalot, why would I ever want to go to Mira Mesa at 9:00 at night?? haha But you have a good point. Mass transit can certainly have drawbacks, depending on your lifestyle.

As I mentioned in my original post, the only reason I gave up my car is because I hated driving (stress, panic attacks, etc). I did not do it for any political or environmental beliefs, it was strictly a selfish decision that has worked out well for me, financially and emotionally. And physically as well, I certainly do a lot more walking now.

I started a blog at ilovethe120express.blogspot.com. I had hoped to keep a daily journal of my bus escapades, but have only managed 3 blogs so far.

SF and NYC have decent mass transit

Alas here in Southern California it is still pretty weak and not viable option for most people. What if I meet a lady in Mira Mesa or Del Mar for happy hour and tell her I had to take the bus? Dont think that would score any points.

I am for a real mass transit system but still has not caught on yet with most city planners. The city government would rather waste money on a stupid new sports stadium ie) petco park than invest in mass transit across the county.