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Carless in Cambridge

It’s been six weeks since my grandson, Grady, and his dad came from Maryland to collect my 2016 Toyota Prius that now belongs to Grady. 

Since my new condo does not have dedicated parking, and since I am just a seven-minute walk to the subway, I decided to go car-free. What could be better than keeping the car in the family?

I’d been a driver for 72 years.  In all that time, I was accident-free except for one teeny-tiny fender bender.  Only my ego was hurt.

I’ve loaded up my Subway T-pass at the senior rate, and I am making the most of it.  One day, I  even managed to make two round trips. 

Quitting while one is ahead is a good plan.

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2 responses to “Carless in Cambridge”

  1. Roberta Avatar
    Roberta

    I did the same thing. Loaded up my senior T pass since I do not drive anymore. We still have a car because my husband won’t give it up but it spends most of its time in the underground parking garage in our building.

    One thing I have noticed is that I now have to get on the second car with the lower step rather than the front steps that are a little much for me now. (I live on the C line) Small price to pay for the convenience of the T.

    Reply
  2. Alex Qi Avatar
    Alex Qi

    Quitting while you are ahead is a good plan, and doing it on your own terms is even better. In my work I talk with adult children who are dreading the driving conversation with a parent, and the families who handle it best are the ones where the older adult leads, exactly like this. One practical thing several families have told me helps after a change like this: agree on a check-in rhythm that suits the person, not the worrier. A quick morning call after her usual wake time keeps everyone reassured without chipping away at the independence she just protected. Enjoy the T.

    Reply

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