Alternative Means of Transportation not so easy to find.

4Animals said it all for some folks. Mopeds do have place in the scheme of things. Can't afford a new Tomos look around for a used one (any brand). Put up signs looking for one. There are lots of them sitting in basements and barns from the 70's. For a minimal ride to and from work they are perfect. Get a two speed if you live on anything but flat ground. Put a plastic milk crate or other carrier on the back and you can pick up some supplies while you out to. With a bi-turbo exhaust you can get over 30 mph. I get close to 35. Takes a few more mins to get places but is far more relaxing. In many places they don't even require registration and ins. If they do it's dirt cheap. Classification of cc allowed differs from state to state. In some scooters up to 125 cc also get classified as mopeds. If you want more info check out the Moped Army site. Overlook the many kids on there who are cultish about the whole thing and there are lots of knowledgeable folks, some of whom have used these things as their transportation for years, a classified area too. Moped2.org has a list of laws from state to state, plus classifieds and more.I know this won't work for all but it is an idea for some.

PQ

A single solution will not work for everyone, but I do believe there is some solution for everyone. The shift workers could arrange with same shift workers to share rides. Even meeting part way and saving gas as long as you park your car in saafe area. Or if you absolutely must have your car, then keep it in top shape; maybe get a small car for when its just you going somewhere. As a once family of seven; we all didn't go everywhere at the same time (except special times) so we used two small cars. On errands only the number of people that could fit in the car got to go or if you had a need to go.
I've got to drive twenty-thirty minutes to get to grocery store. But I've already started carpooling with neighbors. I only shop once per month and even though stuff was piled high; we survived the trip. I also got a bike to ride to the local mart. Yeah they may cost 10-20 cents more for bread but if I ride the bike there I get the exercise and it surely didn't cost that much in gas. I also noticed they do have a hitching post on the side of the store...gonna talk to them and see if I can truely ride up there.
After reading some posts, I am also gonna check out the golf cart idea for running around locally.

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Iris
The Last Straw (aka Helinbak Farm)
Once a Marine; always a Marine

Hubby has a motorcycle that gets 50 mpg, and his little car gets 43mpg.
Out here, we are one of the very few people that has someone commuting an hour to work.
I can no longer work outside the Farm, so staying home saves money.
We only go to town if we have more than 3 places to go in one day. Other wise Hubby brings what is need home after work.
I wish I could get away with getting around on the horse, but we are 30minutes drive time at an average of 55mph to get to any store.......

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Shari