Austin-area officials and public transit advocates have kicked off an initiative geared to increase awareness of the challenges faced by those who travel without a car, joining the national Week without Driving campaign Sept. 29-Oct. 5.

The big picture

“[This] week really is an eye-opening opportunity to see our city and our transportation system in a different way, and to build empathy for the thousands of Austinites who don't drive—whether by choice or by circumstance,” Austin council member Paige Ellis said.

Access to mobility is a fundamental part of health, safety and community connection, Ellis said while reading the city’s proclamation.

Ellis noted by participating in Week Without Driving last year, she gained a deeper understanding of the logistical challenges and real risks that nondrivers face every day, whether walking, taking the bus or cycling.


A closer look

One third of Americans rely on alternative transit options to get around, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This figure includes children, people with disabilities and seniors who are unable to drive, as well as others.

In a recent survey of Austinites by transportation advocacy group Movability, roughly 27% of respondents identified themselves as being "car-lite," or having fewer cars than the number of people in the household.


The rising cost of owning and maintaining a car places added strain on families, with the average cost equating to upward of $1,000 a month, or $12,000 annually, per reports from the American Automobile Association.


Ellis said drivers need to make $120,000 a year to cover the average cost of car ownership. Meanwhile, the median income in Travis County is only $97,000 per household, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

For community members like South Austin resident Nancy Crowther, a wheelchair user, public transportation options mean everything.

“I got involved with transit because transit was never accessible. No school buses, no taxis, no anything,” Crowther said during last year’s campaign.

Crowther said the Austin area has come a long way, highlighting the vast amount of CapMetro infrastructure and vehicles that are accessible for all transit users. This includes:
  • CapMetro buses outfitted with lifts or low-floor ramps; the buses also "kneel" for easier boarding
  • Rail trains provide level boarding at station platforms
  • CapMetro provides free travel training for seniors and riders with disabilities
  • Priority seating for adults over the age of 65, wheelchair users and individuals with disabilities—visible or invisible
  • Low cost, on-demand rides within select neighborhoods for seniors
  • Bus operators are trained to meet the needs of riders with disabilities
“It's not a destination, but a journey. And my journey has gotten more and more accessible,” Crowther said, adding that there is still more work to be done.


Get involved

Those participating will use alternative transit options like public transit, ride-sharing, walking and biking. After each of their journeys, individuals are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtags #WeekWithoutDriving and #WeekWithoutDrivingATX.

Following the week-long campaign, local agencies can collect participant feedback from social media. The data may be used to help transportation organizations, like CapMetro, address any gaps in the metro’s transportation system.Tips from the pros

Ben Carsner and Reid Ronsonette, cycling educators with the nonprofit Ghisallo Cycling Initiative, encourage residents to consider biking as an effective way to get around the city.


Ronsonette said he makes around 60%-70% of his trips by electric bike, including his work commute. He recommends starting with small trips to make biking an easier habit to build for anyone trying to incorporate biking into their lifestyle.

“I think a lot of people don't realize that once you start trying to commute and you do it, you realize how much nicer it is to do it than driving your car everywhere,” Ronsonette said. “Honestly, sometimes it only adds 10 more minutes to your trip.”
From left, Ben Carsner and Reid Ronsonette cycling educators with an Austin nonprofit Ghisallo Cycling Initiative show support for the city's Week without Driving campaign launched Sept. 29. (Haley McLeod/Community Impact)
Carsner said Google Maps has a bike lane filter, adding that it could take a little time to figure out which roads are best for riding along.

“It's often better to take a little bit less direct route because it will be safer and more enjoyable,” he said.

Carsner also mentioned an Austin Energy rebate incentive, by which eligible individual customers can qualify for rebates on the purchase of an e-bike, scooter, moped, motorcycle or other electric two- or three-wheel vehicle. Individuals can see rebates up to $600.


For residents facing temporary or long-term difficulties, the customer assistance program offers individuals a rebate of up to $1,300.