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Indian expat: US car = survival, not luxury
5 Sep
Summary
- US public transport is scarce outside major cities.
- A car is essential for daily needs like grocery shopping.
- Not driving in the US can feel like being under house arrest.
A woman from India shared her experience transitioning to life in the United States, emphasizing the critical role of car ownership. She explained that in India, accessible public transportation like rickshaws, buses, and metros makes getting around easy. However, upon moving to the US, she found that outside of a few major cities, public transport is largely non-existent, with long waiting times for buses and extensive travel distances for everyday errands.
She likened the necessity of owning a car in the US to a survival need, stating that public transport can involve waits of up to 45 minutes and daily travel of around 16 km for basic needs like groceries. The cost of ride-sharing services for daily use can amount to $50-$60. For students and professionals, learning to drive and acquiring a car within a month of arrival is often essential.
Experiencing this car-dependent lifestyle in the US, she felt that not having a vehicle equated to being under house arrest, a significant culture shock compared to India's readily available transit options. The realities of car ownership, including insurance, gas, and maintenance costs, were also highlighted, prompting a comparison between the two countries' transportation systems.
