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DialJforJasper t1_j7545dm wrote

I would say that you absolutely need a car in Providence.

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boop-snoot-boogie t1_j7bp45a wrote

I’ve never understood this sentiment. I only own a car here in case I need to leave Providence and go somewhere that isn’t off the train, which happens maybe a couple times a month. Otherwise, the thing just sits there, depreciating.

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DialJforJasper t1_j7bv4qn wrote

RIPTA sucks and Providence is too small for a subway system.

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boop-snoot-boogie t1_j7c3fyw wrote

Few things:

  • Providence used to have an electric trolley system, as did most US cities at the time. Oil and automotive lobbies "fixed" that as the last century went on.
  • While related, walkable and transit-oriented are two different things. When most errands and trips out your door can be done on foot - you live in a walkable place.
  • RIPTA is fine. You can get downtown in under 20 minutes from most of the city - from there you can shop or run your errands downtown, or transfer to another line and get most places in the state, or hop on the train, or get to the airport. It's not perfect, but it's totally usable for most things.
  • If you must use a car, there's Uber, Lyft, Zipcar, etc.
  • Bikes exist.

Point is, there are just as many options for getting around here as there are flimsy justifications for car-dependence - it's more of a personal choice and it's largely informed by what neighborhood you live in and your habits/lifestyle.

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iLoveBear3000 OP t1_j7cd0tq wrote

I have a car (it’s on its last legs), I just don’t want to rely on it for everything. For example, where I live it is literally impossible to walk anywhere :(

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