Living without a Car

As I get older, I knew it would come at some time, but what happened recently was a big wake-up call – as I try and learn how to manage without a car. I live alone, have almost no visitors, and there is little communication with other residents, many of whom must stay in their units all day with windows and doors locked, with no connection with others.  I am more interested in occasional communication with others.  I hate staying home all day, alone,  with no one to speak to (face to face)!

New Car – June 2016

Currently, my car remains at the mechanics – where it has been for nearly two weeks and a lot of dollars in repairs.  It broke down again, less than 24 hours after picking it up after other repairs were done. I am having a challenging time with the mechanics – but that’s not the focus of this tale.

I live in a seniors housing complex, close to some public transport (buses), and there is limited shopping within walking distance – actually, it is not within easy walking distance for me as I have some mobility issues, and I would have challenges bringing back any shopping. I avoid buses, as I have a history of terrible travel sickness in buses, and in the back seat of a car.

While I have one family member living close by, her long working hours and other commitments do limit the support that she can give me–it is difficult for both of us.

Grocery Purchases

Last week I did my first on-line order with Woolworths and was impressed.  My delivery arrived within 2 hours of placing my order for it, it was well packed, and all as I ordered – and I didn’t have to carry heavy loads up to my unit from the car.  It was delivered right to my door!!

On reflection, there is one thing I missed. I stayed at home, did not meet/communicate with anyone, other than brief words with the delivery man, and it added to my loneliness.

Getting a Taxi

These days getting a taxi is not as easy as a quick phone call.  It is preferred that one uses an App on your phone.  I’ve done that, and I find it challenging. On one occasion, the communication on the phone was annoying.  It had my home address and wanted to pick me up from there, but I was out and wanted to book a trip to get home.  In the end I switched my phone off and went walking to see if I could hail a taxi, which I did.

My unit is at the back of the complex and there is nowhere to sit near the driveway.  One time when I booked a taxi, I received a text message that the taxi was coming, so I grabbed my handbag and keys, locked my door and walked down to the roadway. I was almost within a few feet of the waiting taxi when it suddenly drove away. I shouted, but it did not stop.  Then I received a text message that I had cancelled the taxi!!  I phoned again and stood for about 30 minutes in the very hot sun, waiting for the next one.

Costs

I acknowledge that running a car is not cheap, but it has not been a problem for me.  At the moment, I am still paying car costs (though not petrol as the car remains at the mechanics), but I am learning how much a taxi costs.

Taxi discounts are available, but currently, I don’t think I qualify but will check this week.  One cheap taxi is available, but it is very limited in where it takes passengers (shopping centres), and only on a Tuesday!  And again, I am aware of my travel sickness issues.

Limiting Social Activities

I do have a busy schedule of meetings and social activities – essential for me considering my living conditions, and if I have to use taxis I am going to find it difficult to manage.  Getting a taxi to attend everything will be challenging, and I will have to curb my activities.

I had hoped I could drive for a couple more years, and I can, but I don’t have the funds to buy another car, and maybe don’t have enough for the major repairs that the mechanics say is essential, which I am challenging.

Meanwhile, I am learning how to manage life without a car, and without going to the events that I have been usually attending.

Loneliness is a big issue for me, so I will have to explore more options.  Going on my photography shoots is going to be hard too.

I knew it would happen one day – but it reared its ugly head earlier than I expected.

Managing without a car – what is your experience?