Cars occupy a central place in many average American households. The latest Forbes car ownership statistics show that in 2022, 91.7% of U.S. households will own at least one car. In some states, such as Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah, people own three or more.
There are several reasons why America has become so automobile-centric. Compared to Europe, the United States is much larger and less dense. Public transportation developed, but interstate highways affected many urban neighborhoods. You also won’t find facilities for pedestrians and cyclists in many cities. The bottom line is that you may face difficulties when traveling in America without a private car.
Many travelers book transportation such as taxis and tour buses during their vacation. Here are four practical guidelines to help you hire transportation in the United States.
#1 Check the bus safety rating
In the past, there have been several traffic accidents involving tour buses in the United States. In 2023, one such bus crashed into the Grand Canyon because the driver fell asleep. One of the tires was also in violation of regulations.
Check the bus company’s safety rating before taking a tour bus. of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration We collect ratings for all charter bus services in the United States. Using your DOT number (Department of Transportation), you can review past violations and make a considered decision.
Another safety tip is to check the overall condition of the bus, including its tires and exit doors. You can also ask the driver how many hours they work. Although it may seem paranoid, there are no unnecessary doubts about safety guarantees.
#2 Share Uber trip details with family and friends
Visit New York’s MET, Empire State Building, and Central Park in one day and you won’t be able to walk a single step. Hiring an Uber is a popular alternative option after a long vacation. You can book Uber in most U.S. states, with the exception of a few areas like Alaska, Oregon, and Austin.
However, Uber has recently faced a reputational crisis due to reports of sexual misconduct by its drivers. Many survivors filed complaints Uber sexual assault lawsuit Demand higher safety standards and corporate accountability. The company does not conduct thorough background checks and does not respond appropriately to complaints.
An effective way to stay safe in a taxi is to send your travel details to someone you trust. They can monitor your trip and engage with you during your trip. TorHoerman Law points out that legal action can help bring about necessary regulatory changes in the ride-sharing sector. It’s also important to trust your intuition. This means that if you are uncomfortable, it is better to cancel the ride and not ride it at all.
#3 Get a USA Rail Pass for cross-country travel
To cover the entire United States, your best option is to use the American rail system, Amtrak. A USA Rail Pass costs less than $500 and allows for 10 trips per month. From time to time, passes are sold on Amtrak’s sales webpage and can be as low as $299.
National Geographic advises passengers to heed the warnings for rail passes. For example, you will be offered a bus seat instead of a sleeper. The official website states that this pass is not valid on some Amtrak services, such as the Acela and Thruway bus series. Still, it’s still a cheap and comfortable way to travel around the vast United States.
The best thing about Amtrak is that they often run offers and attractive sales. In June 2024, the company partnered with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to operate a special train service between Raleigh, Cary, and Pinehurst. It was the US Open golf tournament, after all.
Trains are a convenient and fast option for local travel. In New York, you can purchase a 7-day MetroCard for $34.00. Most major American cities, including Boston, Chicago, and New Jersey, have subways to get around.
#4 Take airport security very seriously
Because the United States is a large country, many travelers choose to fly between states. For example, your itinerary might include San Francisco’s Golden Gate. Los Angeles, home to Hollywood’s glitterati, is about an hour and a half away by plane. If you book early enough and have reward points from previous trips, you can find cheap flights.
It’s important to keep an eye on your baggage during security screening at most U.S. airports. America’s strictness on airport security has become a global topic of discussion. Make sure you have all the documents you need, such as a passport, visa, ID, and travel insurance. Do not have any suspicious items around you, such as firearms or explosives.
Please note that even medicines require a relevant prescription. The US FDA requires that medicines be kept in their original containers and not brought in for more than 90 days.
Despite strict measures, human casualties have been reported. Checkpoint avoidance. Most of these are incidental cases. However, if travelers are caught evading security, they can face severe penalties. Entering a “sterile” area without being tested can result in fines exceeding $4,000.
As mentioned earlier, caution is key. Being impatient and skipping the line can end up costing you a lot more than you think.
Living in America without a car can be difficult, but savvy travelers can take advantage of public transportation. It requires a balanced itinerary, light packing, and an enthusiasm for whatever comes your way. Some may say that travel is essentially travel itself.
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