Living without a car in the Twin Cities might sound like a noble endeavor, a commitment to environmental sustainability or just plain stubbornness. But, as someone who has embraced this carless adventure, let me spill the beans (or hot dish since we are in Minnesota): it is a comedy of errors. In this modern urban Odyssey, the protagonist (me) faces everyday trials that would make Odysseus envious.
The Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, are renowned for their interconnectedness, thriving cultural scene and frigid winters. But what is it like to navigate these thriving metropolises without the cherished convenience of a car?
In the Twin Cities, the public bus system is like deciphering hieroglyphics with closed eyes. There’s the A Line bus that’s never on time, the 21 that often cruises right past you while waiting at its stop and the 54 is always crammed with fellow carless warriors.
The public transportation system is pretty sound, with buses and light rail connecting much of the metro area. But when you don’t have a car, it is as if the universe has decided that every delay, missed connection and “bus coming in 10 minutes” sign is a personal challenge. You will start forming a love-hate relationship with your local bus, which often seems to have the uncanny ability to arrive just as you sprint toward it, gasping for breath.
Let’s get one thing straight, my fellow carless compadres – we’ve all been there. Standing at the bus stop, minding our own business and BAM! We suddenly find ourselves in the crosshairs of the world’s most peculiar flirts. I’m talking about those street-side lovers who think the bus stop is the ideal spot to unleash their cringe-worthy attempts at flirting.
Now, if you’ve had the displeasure of waiting for public transport, you’re all too familiar with the eccentric ensemble of characters you’ll encounter. There’s the guy who’s drenched in a cloud of cologne that’s probably been expired for years, the lady who has deep conversations with a wall like it’s her best friend and let’s not forget the older men prowling around, eyeing young women like me. Nothing says romance like the bus stop, right? Sure, you might meet some interesting people, but that doesn’t mean you’ll find your soulmate next to a trash can.
Now, picture this: you’re lost in existential thoughts, pondering the mysteries of the universe, or debating whether you turned off the stove. Suddenly, a stranger decides it’s the perfect moment to drop a gem of a line on you.
“Hey, baby, what you up to?” he says, leering with a creepy grin. You’re pondering whether you should be flattered or run for the nearest exit.
You can simply tune them out, pop in your headphones and pretend to be utterly engrossed in the latest episode of your favorite podcast. My go-to move? I put my phone up to my ear and pretend to receive a call as I gracefully back away from the conversation. Because, as we all know, nothing sends a stronger “leave me alone” signal than the universal symbol of the earbud-plugged commuter.

With public transportation, you can also kiss your gym membership goodbye. Forget about squats and lunges; the true path to leg day glory is walking to the nearest bus stop, dodging creepy catcalls and sprinting to make your transfer with groceries in tow.
Getting groceries without a car is like hiking up Mount Everest. You load up your bag and trudge through the snow, praying you don’t drop anything on the way home. Just last month, my grocery bag ripped and I did not realize it until I returned home. I had to run two blocks before finding my bag of Sweet Hawaiian Rolls in front of someone’s house.
Without a car, you also become a creative genius when planning your adventures. Whether it is a weekend getaway or a simple trip to the lakes, you will master the art of carpooling, bike rentals and rideshares, turning every outing into an exciting puzzle.
Winter in the Twin Cities is a lovely time for skiing, skating, and, oh yes, trying not to freeze to death while waiting for a bus that’s 20 minutes late. Winter in Minnesota is like a never-ending episode of “Game of Thrones.” When you’re carless, snow and ice become your arch-nemesis. You will find yourself in a constant battle with the elements, slipping and sliding on icy sidewalks, waiting for the bus in a snowstorm that makes you question your life choices. You’ll look at your friends who own cars with envy, even if they spend half the year digging them out of snowdrifts.
And when spring finally rolls around, the snow melts to reveal the true horrors of your chosen commute route: discarded mittens, shattered dreams and, inexplicably, a traffic cone collection.
Occasionally, when I treat myself to an Uber or Lyft, it’s like an enchanted luxury. I only really do this when I need to get somewhere beyond public transportation’s reach or when I need a ride after public transport has stopped for the night. It’s a stark reminder of how much I love having someone else deal with traffic and the inevitable “where do I park?” panic. You’ll also have some exciting stories to tell after countless rides. From the driver who insists on telling you their life story to the one who tries to recruit you into their pyramid scheme, you never quite know what adventure awaits when that “your driver is here” notification pops up.
Despite the comedic chaos, there are silver linings to carless life in the Twin Cities. I’ve met some fascinating people at bus stops, become a more patient person with deep-breathing exercises during bus delays and probably shed a few pounds from the extra walking. Plus, I am doing my part to reduce my carbon footprint – one bus ride at a time.
So, while life without a car in the Twin Cities may sometimes resemble a horribly written SNL skit, it is an adventure worth embracing. You will learn to laugh at the absurdity of it all and find camaraderie with your fellow carless compatriots. After all, we have stories to tell, adventures to share, and an extra 5,000 steps logged into our daily step count.