Cars occupy a central spot for many average American households. The newest Forbes Car Ownership Statistics found that 91.7% of US homes had at least one vehicle in 2022. People in some states, like Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah, have three or more.
There are multiple reasons America has become so car-centric. Compared to Europe, the US is much bigger and has lower density. Public transport has evolved, but the interstate system affected many urban neighborhoods. You will also not find pedestrian and bicyclist amenities in many cities. The bottom line is that you may face difficulties when traveling in America without a personal car.
Many travelers book transport, like a cab or tourist bus, during their holiday. Here are four practical guidelines to assist you while hiring transport in America.
#1 Check the Safety Rating of the Bus
In the past, America has witnessed some road accidents involving tour buses. In 2023, one such bus crashed into the Grand Canyon because the driver fell asleep. One of the tires was also in defiance of the regulations.
Before hiring a tourist bus, check the bus company’s safety rating. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration captures the ratings for all charter bus services in the US. You can use the DOT number (Department of Transportation) to see past violations and make a well-considered decision.
Another safety tip is to check the overall condition of the bus, i.e., the tires, the exit doors, etc. You can also ask how long the driver has been working. It might seem paranoid, but there are no unnecessary questions in guaranteeing safety.
#2 Share Uber Trip Details with Family or Friends
You can hardly walk a step after visiting the MET in New York, the Empire State Building, and Central Park all in one day. Hiring an Uber is a popular fallback option after a long day of holidaying. You may book an Uber in most US states, except in some places like Alaska, Oregon, and Austin.
However, Uber has lately faced a reputational crisis because of reported cases of sexual misconduct by drivers. Many survivors have filed an Uber sexual assault lawsuit to demand higher safety standards and accountability by the company. The firm has failed to conduct thorough background checks and has not responded adequately to grievances.
An effective way to stay safe in cabs is to send your trip details to someone you trust. They can monitor your trip and engage with you during the journey. TorHoerman Law notes that legal action can help bring necessary regulatory changes in the ridesharing sector. Trusting your gut is also vital, which means you should cancel a ride and not step in if you don’t feel comfortable.
#3 Get a USA Rail Pass for Cross-Country Travel
Using Amtrak, America’s railway system, is the best option for covering the whole country. The USA Rail Pass costs under $500 and lets you take ten monthly journeys. Sometimes, passes are on sale on Amtrak’s deals web page – they can go as low as $299.
The National Geographic advises passengers to note the caveats of the rail pass. For example, you will get coach seating and not sleepers. The official website notes that the pass is invalid on some Amtrak services, like Acela and Thruway Bus Series. Even so, it is still a comfortable way to travel the great expanse of America for cheap.
The best part about Amtrak is that it frequently runs offers and tempting deals. In June 2024, it partnered with the N.C. Department of Transportation to run special trains between Raleigh, Cary, and Pinehurst. It was the US Open golf tournament, after all.
Trains are a good, fast option for local travel. In New York, you can purchase a seven-day MetroCard for $34.00. You can use the subway to travel in most major American cities, like Boston, Chicago, and New Jersey.
#4 Take Airport Security Clearance Very Seriously
Since the USA is a massive country, many travelers use airplanes for inter-state travel. For example, your itinerary may include the Golden Gate in San Francisco. Going onwards to Los Angeles, the home of Hollywood glitterati, will take you around 1.5 hours by flight. You can find cheap flights if you make bookings early enough and have reward points from previous travels.
Being cautious about baggage is critical for security clearance in most US airports. America’s stringency about airport security has become a global discussion. Ensure your documents – passports, visas, identity proof, travel insurance – are in place. Do not have any questionable articles on your person, like firearms or explosives.
Note that even medication should have an associated prescription. The US FDA asks that you keep medication in its original container and carry no more than a 90-day supply.
Despite the strict measures, there have been reports of people bypassing checkpoints. Most of these are accidental cases. However, any travelers caught evading security can be heavily penalized. If you enter a “sterile” region without screening, the penalties can be over $4,000.
As we said, caution is vital. Getting impatient and skipping a line can prove far more expensive than you imagined.
Being without a car in the US can be challenging, but seasoned travelers manage just fine with public transport. It requires a balanced itinerary, light packing, and the enthusiasm to embrace whatever comes your way. Some might say it is traveling how traveling was intended.