Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
3
↓
How do you get around? Struggling to afford transportation and desperate for ideas. (self.Blind)
submitted by casschips
Hello all!
I'm wondering how all of you nondrivers manage transportation to work and things in your life. The public transportation in my city is not extremely popular and is inconvenient for me to use in terms of getting from home to my place of work. The paratransit system (while very, very awesome for some!) also has enough flaws to make it an unrealistic for me at this time.
I'm using Uber at the moment, and while it is the most convenient to use, it is so incredibly expensive. I'm looking into the possibility of getting PCA or applying for some sort of financial assistance that may help contribute to my transportation costs. Does anyone else do either of these things? What does everyone do aside of using the bus or carpooling? I would love a little insight - thanks!
I'm wondering how all of you nondrivers manage transportation to work and things in your life. The public transportation in my city is not extremely popular and is inconvenient for me to use in terms of getting from home to my place of work. The paratransit system (while very, very awesome for some!) also has enough flaws to make it an unrealistic for me at this time.
I'm using Uber at the moment, and while it is the most convenient to use, it is so incredibly expensive. I'm looking into the possibility of getting PCA or applying for some sort of financial assistance that may help contribute to my transportation costs. Does anyone else do either of these things? What does everyone do aside of using the bus or carpooling? I would love a little insight - thanks!
geoffisblind 2 points 7y ago
This has been one of the bigger frustrations for me. My city's public transit system is alright I guess but it needs a lot of work. The work it needs probably isn't going to happen because my area is divided into over 100 small municipalities that can't really seem to agree on anything so public transit is probably going to stay where it is for the foreseeable future. Buses hit their stops once every 30-45 minutes which makes planning incredibly annoying and I often times just walk if I have the option since waiting for a bus for that long makes me impatient.
I unfortunately don't have a whole lot of options. I'll catch rides with friends and family when I can, but when I have to do something spur of the moment it is typically on me. Unfortunately public transit is really my only option in those situations. I can't afford taxis or Ubers so if I can't walk it I'm riding.
This is one of several reasons I am moving at the end of this coming summer to the Pacific Northwestern United States. I guess my best advice is to get good with a cane, get a nice bag that fits you comfortably, and some nice walking shoes, but that's not really the advice you were looking for. I'm sorry I can't really offer anything better but hopefully some commiseration helps :) I hope someone else has some better advice for you. Good luck!
I unfortunately don't have a whole lot of options. I'll catch rides with friends and family when I can, but when I have to do something spur of the moment it is typically on me. Unfortunately public transit is really my only option in those situations. I can't afford taxis or Ubers so if I can't walk it I'm riding.
This is one of several reasons I am moving at the end of this coming summer to the Pacific Northwestern United States. I guess my best advice is to get good with a cane, get a nice bag that fits you comfortably, and some nice walking shoes, but that's not really the advice you were looking for. I'm sorry I can't really offer anything better but hopefully some commiseration helps :) I hope someone else has some better advice for you. Good luck!
casschips [OP] 1 points 7y ago
I appreciate you taking the time to write. It's a really powerful feeling to connect with someone who gets the frustration. I actually do love to walk most places (though it can get frustrating based on the amount of time it can take or uncooperative weather). Walking is my preference because it makes me feel the most independent. I am fully relying on me, and I love that. Even with Ubers, I don't feel in total control which can be hard to stomach sometimes. I can so relate to you in regards to your frustrations with the bus.
I'd like to save and move somewhere with good transportation. My goal is to find a way to stop spending so much on rides so that I can save that and eventually move. I didn't realize that part of the US had such good public transit- but I'm excited for you. We deserve to feel fully autonomous and to get around on our own accord.
I'd like to save and move somewhere with good transportation. My goal is to find a way to stop spending so much on rides so that I can save that and eventually move. I didn't realize that part of the US had such good public transit- but I'm excited for you. We deserve to feel fully autonomous and to get around on our own accord.
geoffisblind 1 points 7y ago
I'm looking to move to Seattle which has pretty good public transit but from my experience it is also a fantastic walking city which makes me happy. I've heard some areas in the city don't have great sidewalk situations but the area I was touring was perfect. Either way the sidewalks have to be better than the broken and lopsided sidewalks that I currently have around my house.
I also totally get your preference for walking. It is by far my favorite way of getting around for similar reasons. I like being in control and it helps me build and practice my O&M skills which I try to keep sharp. Plus I get to try new things to make it easier. Working on my mobility kit has been way too much fun for me. I've been trying out different types of canes and tips, mobility GPS systems like the Trekker Breeze as well as apps on my phone, and just figuring out ways to store all of it and keep myself light and comfortable. It's a really awesome feeling when you can confidently move on foot.
I totally get the connecting thing as well, that's why I love this sub so much. It really helps in situations like this where there isn't a simple solution to the problem. I'm in a super fortunate position where I have the opportunity to move to further my education. If all works out I'll probably stay there, so that problem is hopefully going to solve itself for me in less than a year, but it isn't so easy when you are rooted. I've been waiting for this move for a few years and I'm really excited that it's finally on the horizon. I hope it works out for you though, hang in there :)
I also totally get your preference for walking. It is by far my favorite way of getting around for similar reasons. I like being in control and it helps me build and practice my O&M skills which I try to keep sharp. Plus I get to try new things to make it easier. Working on my mobility kit has been way too much fun for me. I've been trying out different types of canes and tips, mobility GPS systems like the Trekker Breeze as well as apps on my phone, and just figuring out ways to store all of it and keep myself light and comfortable. It's a really awesome feeling when you can confidently move on foot.
I totally get the connecting thing as well, that's why I love this sub so much. It really helps in situations like this where there isn't a simple solution to the problem. I'm in a super fortunate position where I have the opportunity to move to further my education. If all works out I'll probably stay there, so that problem is hopefully going to solve itself for me in less than a year, but it isn't so easy when you are rooted. I've been waiting for this move for a few years and I'm really excited that it's finally on the horizon. I hope it works out for you though, hang in there :)
BlindWolf8 2 points 7y ago
Hey there!
I'm legally blind and in NJ in the USA. I use Uber every day to get to and from work back home. It runs me about ~$25 a day as I live close to work. (~7 miles) Can any of your coworkers drive you in? What about family members?
I'm legally blind and in NJ in the USA. I use Uber every day to get to and from work back home. It runs me about ~$25 a day as I live close to work. (~7 miles) Can any of your coworkers drive you in? What about family members?
casschips [OP] 1 points 7y ago
Hi! Thanks for the response! I use Uber now, and the convenience of this has been working beautifully. Unfortunately, the cost of these rides have been adding up for me and I'm struggling to be able to afford them. I'm curious if there is a way for me to get some sort of financial assistance with my rides. Also, none of my coworkers live near me enough to make it easy to carpool. I so appreciate the suggestions, though! I'm so glad Uber is working well for you!
BlindWolf8 1 points 7y ago
How much is an average ride for you and how far are you from work?
casschips [OP] 1 points 7y ago
The ride is anywhere from $14-20 a day. That excludes any other plans, trips to the gym, weekly volunteering, doctors appointments, etc.
It may not sound like a lot of money, but I work in the social service industry (public healthcare) and do not make a lot. Not enough to comfortably afford daily Ubers, anyway. And things like finding out my doctor's appointment for Thursday is $20 one way puts a knot in my stomach.
It may not sound like a lot of money, but I work in the social service industry (public healthcare) and do not make a lot. Not enough to comfortably afford daily Ubers, anyway. And things like finding out my doctor's appointment for Thursday is $20 one way puts a knot in my stomach.
BlindWolf8 1 points 7y ago
I'm sorry. :-( Maybe work out a deal with the local cab company? I found my old cab company on Craigslist before I started Ubering. Maybe you can find a driver you can bargain with on there.
0mgitsrachel 1 points 7y ago
Baltimore has a program called taxi access. Up to a $20 fare only costs you $3 + whatever amount over the $20. I stopped using it because I could never get a cab to pick me up. It would take over an hour and then they would leave if you aren't outside when they arrive. So I'm expected to wait outside for over an hour it was too annoying to use and it made it hard to plan. I now uber or get rides from family or friends. Ubering is expensive but it's the most convenient and reliable.
charliemyheart 1 points 7y ago
With things you can use the bus, or paratranist even if will get you close but not there, use it. Walking/ ubering can be used to fill in the left parts.
Is it possible to hire a driver? Someone who works with you or you know, or even someone who is a friend of a friend? Besides that I don't knowing anything else.
I right now live in the middle of no where, literly my closest major cross street us 14 miles away. I do plan on moving to Nashvile, Cleveland Tennessee, or even in actual city Chattanooga when I can. Though after college I hope to move to some place like New york, Seattle, Portland or somewhere with large amounts of public transit.
Is it possible to hire a driver? Someone who works with you or you know, or even someone who is a friend of a friend? Besides that I don't knowing anything else.
I right now live in the middle of no where, literly my closest major cross street us 14 miles away. I do plan on moving to Nashvile, Cleveland Tennessee, or even in actual city Chattanooga when I can. Though after college I hope to move to some place like New york, Seattle, Portland or somewhere with large amounts of public transit.
ConvertsToMetric 1 points 7y ago
epik_flip 1 points 7y ago
Do you know whether your workplace/company offers a reimbursement or subsidy for commuting? If possible, ask whether they might be able to accommodate your commute costs as an employee with a visual impairment.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.