Interesting video by an accountant on the true cost of owning and driving a vehicle in the US- it cost more than we might think and there is a lot more cost associated with vehicles than just fuel/electricity. Thought some might find the discussion in the video interesting. (Video was made in 2022 and some of the numbers used are circa 2020 - but $10,000 a year for a single vehicle was the average ownership/operational cost back then - at 4% inflation that would have increased to $12,000 in today's dollars for every vehicle owned- true cost includes every cost associated with the vehicle. This means if you for example own an electric vehicle you need to amortize the initial higher cost of the vehicle and include the cost of a solar system if you use it for charging the vehicle - yes Virgina there are no free rides!)
agreed, it's not cheap, but it's basically embedded into the american (and most countries) psyche. when you grow up with family vehicles, and start thinking about your first vehicle in your teens, it's not something you really consider cost wise, except the initial purchase and insurance typically. and after a hundred years, the way countries are laid out, it's not easy to live without personal transportation. there are ways to minimize costs, though many people don't consider them. the environmental and health costs are huge, but like so many things, are mostly ignored because 'money'. and some are in willful denial because they consider it an infringement on their freedom.
Infrastructure is optimized for personal vehicles. Other countries aim their 'infra' more at public transportation so pers veh can be less than a requirement.
the size of the country makes it difficult. even if we do a much better job of increasing public transportation and convenience/cost, idk if it will reduce personal vehicle usage much. maybe total miles, but not much dent in ownership costs. maybe autonomous vehicles will help
I just returned from shopping at 'international' market Not beyond walking distance but for my heavy bag. Taxi ride cost about USD$1.40 equiv. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but will accept them if you offer twice. Taxis cost more in Hong Kong (about double) because it's that kind of place. OtOH, Phone apps for ride sharing here cost less than official taxis here but I have not attained that level of competence (I do tag along though). I do not know the global cost landscape for such transport services, but I have used expensive taxis in US. Canada also. A memorable ride in Montreal where the driver sped wrong way on one-way streets, cursing in French at (right-way) drivers cursing him. It was easily worth the price
You've reminded me of a cab ride in Toulouse that had me thinking "please, please, I've made it this far." I had almost managed to forget that.
