I can't imagine life not being that way. I live in NYC and can walk to everything important, or take a short subway ride to anything else. I've gone months without getting in a car- if I ever move I think I'd miss that a lot.
Wow, someone from Victoria! That's a rarity. I went to UVic and lived in Vic for about three years. Getting around in Vic without a car is definitely a little more difficult, mostly because the bus service is so cruddy.
Still, I miss Victoria. I try to get back every year for the Beerfest.
It is the same way in Chicago as well. I went 2 years without driving a car at all, but obviously taxis were a necessity.
I was actually penalized when I renewed auto insurance for not carrying it for 2 years, despite not owning a car nor driving at all.
Robust public transportation should be a huge initiative for all major cities, and even more so ones that are growing quickly. The efficiencies, environmental impact, and convenience for citizens are too much to ignore.
Same here, in Raleigh, NC. Haven't had a car in years. Its been the best decision I've ever made for my own peace of mind.
If you're willing to walk a bit and take some buses, you don't need a car. And you find really cool places while walking that else you'd never know existed.
