By Laura Lira
We all know that using the TTC is much cheaper than having a car. But many people still choose the latter if they can. The question is: does the convenience make up for the increased cost? The answer definitely depends on the lifestyle and finances of the driver. But if we take that into account and analyse the situation closely, it’s possible to find some more objective results.
It would be very tricky to estimate the exact cost of a car per year, because of all the variables involved. But if you plan on buying a car and know how often you’re going to be using it, the Canadian Automobile Association offers a basic calculator that estimates the yearly cost of gas based on your choices.
Fuel is a big part of a group of expenses that come with a car. This writer’s objective is not to give you a headache, but the list is long: insurance, parking, maintenance, tires, and depreciation being the main ones.
The website LowestRates.ca talked to three men about the impact that cars have on their lives. The article estimates that the cost of having car ranges from $285 to $725 per month if you just use it occasionally, depending if it’s paid off or not. Those numbers include insurance, fuel, maintenance, and parking. Parking at York costs $2.50/half-hour on weekdays, and can range from $5-7 on weekends (flat rate).
A MetroPass for students costs $116.75 per month, whereas an adult one is $146.25. The cost of a Presto card can vary depending on how much you use the TTC, but it should not go over $200 a month.
If you don’t want to use the TTC but cannot afford a car either, the Uber trip from Sheppard West Station to Seneca at York should cost about $14. And that can add up: going back and fourth, five days a week, would mean $560 a month — not that much cheaper.
Drives are unanimous: the worst part of having a car is its cost, especially when you have to pay for that unexpected mechanical issue.
There is another aspect that is probably the last of the concerns on a driver’s mind: the environmental impact of a car.
In the United States, vehicles are the number one cause of air pollution, which has been an increasing health concern. The production of cars also leaves a big footprint, because of all the natural resources that are used to make one vehicle. They’ve already caused damage before you even buy them. And even though the recycling methods are becoming more sophisticated, saying goodbye to your old car still means leaving a big piece of trash on the Earth.
Having a car is cool and makes life much easier, but one must think about the cost of it — and that’s not just what comes out of your pocket.
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