. . . Transportation and Family Economic Success

[MountainLaurel]

A new study from Brookings. One of those "well, duh" reports, but policymakers who don't realize the obstacles of not having a vehicle because it's completely outside their world view need to hear this shit. The link to the full paper is available from here:

http://www.docuticker.com/2006/01/high-cost-or-high-opportunity-cost.html

"Research suggests that having a car is a worthwhile investment in better outcomes for low-income families. Recent reports quantify the additional money required to own and operate personal vehicles, as compared to the lower cost of traveling on public transit. However, this method of accounting fails to consider the fact that poor workers without a car may not be able to search for or accept a better-paying job because public transit doesn't take them there, causing these workers to lose income or benefits as a result. This report outlines opportunity costs experienced by transit-dependent poor households, and concludes that when all costs are considered along with benefits of private vehicles, it makes sense to press for more assistance and policies that reduce car ownership costs for poor workers."

[ktlyon]

1. I would support better mass transit

I live in a rural area and life without a vehicle would be impossible but cities should have mass transit.

[MountainLaurel]

2. Mass transit is good, but not the be all

For instance, if most of the jobs are in the 'burbs and you're in the inner city, public transit might mean a three-hour commute each way between bus transfers, different subway lines, and hoofing it. Try doing that for a minimum wage job and still trying to raise your children or take care of a sick parent.

[ktlyon]

3. yes and cars, insurance, gas and maintenance cost too

I lived in a major city with reasonably good mass transit for many years, I know how it goes. It just depends on which price you can pay. For some people mass transit is the only choose. Having a car has a lot of up front cost. I personally liked living without a car.