5 Ways to go Car-Free:Tips for Living Without a Car
Perhaps you’re a non-driver who wants to get around easier? Maybe the escalating running costs of ownership are making you think of ditching your car? Or is your conscience urging you to lower your carbon footprint? You’re not alone.
A 2023 Climate Council survey revealed that nearly three-quarters of Aussies are looking for ways to lower their driving expenses. Not only that, Australia’s cars are just sat there parked an incredible 95% of the time. That's a lot of wasted potential and space, not to mention the financial burden of owning a vehicle that’s mostly idle.
Going car-free may seem daunting, but if you’re an urban dweller, living car-free is a rewarding lifestyle choice that offers a myriad of benefits.
From environmental impact and financial savings to improved health and reduced stress, going car-free can transform your daily life for the better. In this guide, we'll explore practical tips for making the transition, and reveal how GoGet Carshare can seamlessly integrate into and enhance your new, car-free lifestyle.
Why Go Car-Free?
Help the Environment
Let’s start with the big one. Fewer cars on the road mean fewer emissions. It’s a win-win for our planet. If you opt for a carsharing service like GoGet, each shared car takes ten privately owned vehicles off the road. That’s saving the planet all the embedded emissions of manufacturing, shipping, selling and eventually destroying those vehicles.
Save Money
Owning a car is expensive! And since the pandemic it’s been getting worse. According to Savings.com, running a car costs above $15,00 a year. Think about all the costs – fuel, maintenance, insurance, parking fees. When you go car-free, all that money stays in your pocket.
Stay Fit
Without a car, you’ll naturally find yourself walking, biking, or even scootering more. It’s a great way to get those steps in without even trying!
Less Stress
No more sitting in traffic jams, hunting for parking spots, or dealing with unexpected car repairs. Sounds like a dream, right?
How to Live Without a Car
Get to Know Public Transport
Buses, trains, the light rail, ferries – and soon the metro - they’re all there to help you get around. Sydney’s public transport system is ranked Australia’s best, with a well-connected network of trains, buses, ferries and light rail. The Opal card system integrates all these services, providing seamless transfers and a convenient payment method. In Sydney, you can also pay by tapping bank or credit card.
Melbourne’s tram network is the largest in the world and a beloved feature of the city. Trams run frequently through the CBD and extend to many suburbs, making them a convenient mode of transport. They’re even free when travelling in the CBD.
Brisbane’s public transport system is modern and efficient, featuring the Go Card for seamless payment across buses, trains and ferries. The CityCat ferries offer a scenic way to travel along the Brisbane River and dedicated busways help reduce travel time by avoiding road congestion. Even better, from August 2024 all public transport fares in Brisbane will be slashed to just 50c across all zones and modes for 6 months.
Use Carsharing Services - like GoGet!
For those times when you really do need a car, GoGet has your back. It’s super convenient with flexible booking options, so you can rent a car for a few hours or a whole day. You only pay for the time you use, with fuel, insurance, and maintenance included, saving you money.
From compact cars to vans, GoGet offers a range of vehicles to suit any need. Plus, it’s eco-friendly, with fewer cars on the road and a fleet that includes fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicles. With easy access to cars parked all over major Aussie cities, just book, swipe in and drive off!
Bike It
If your work commute isn’t too far and you don’t have a large brood to shuttle around, ditching your car for a bike is one of the best ways to go car-free. No parking fees and running costs plus more exercise; what’s not to love?
Furthermore, cities are getting more bike-friendly with dedicated lanes and bike-sharing programs popping up everywhere. Sydney has an improving cycle network, Melbourne’s has over 135 km of on- and off-road routes and Brisbane has an extensive network of bikeways and shared paths spread across the city. Be sure to invest in a good bicycle and some safety gear.
Work (and Shop) from Home
If you can reduce the need to perform activities outside of the home, this will mean you need to drive less. Can your job allow you to remote work? If so, speak to your boss. Imagine rolling out of bed and starting your workday in PJs without the hassle of a commute. No more rush hour traffic, hunting for parking or stress from road rage.
And when you can, ditch the shops, stores and eateries for online apps and retail services. Need groceries, a new outfit or that gadget you’ve been eyeing? Just a few clicks, and it's on its way to your doorstep.
Tech is Your Friend
Apps like Google Maps and Citymapper can help you navigate your city without a hitch, giving you the best ways to get from A to B via public transport or on foot. And don’t forget about ride-sharing taxi apps like Didi for those tricky trips when public transport isn’t an option. To quickly locate an ebike or scooter, apps like Beam, Lime and Neuron provide a fun and eco-friendly way to zip around your city.
Living car-free does require a bit of planning, and apps are an indispensable way to pre-plan your trips.
So there you have it, living car-free is not just possible, it’s practical and beneficial in so many ways. By embracing public transport, cycling and car-sharing services like GoGet, you can enjoy all the perks of having a car without the downsides. Ready to make the switch? Give it a go and see how liberating a car-free life can be.
Want to learn how GoGet’s can help you live without a car? Discover how it works so you can enjoy all the benefits of car ownership without any of the hassles.
