For some Californians, high transportation costs put owning a car out of reach
Los Angeles — Commuting to work is a daily challenge for Franchescoli Andrade, who relies on a combination of biking, taking the train, and riding the bus to travel the 20 miles from South Los Angeles to the San Fernando Valley. His journey takes approximately 90 minutes each way, with multiple modes of transportation involved.
“It’s a half-hour just to reach downtown, then another half-hour to get to my final destination, and finally, the bus takes me directly to work,” Andrade shared with CBS News. “I endure this commute every day to provide for my family.”
Andrade used to have a car, but after a costly accident, he couldn’t afford to repair it. As the sole breadwinner for his family, every paycheck is a struggle for him.
To alleviate daycare expenses, Andrade’s wife stays at home with their young son. This arrangement weighs heavily on Andrade, making him feel inadequate as a provider.
The challenges faced by Andrade’s family are reflective of the struggles experienced by millions of households in California. A recent study by the nonprofit United Way revealed that 35% of California households, equating to approximately 3.8 million households, lack the means to cover basic living expenses like rent, groceries, and transportation.
According to United Way CEO Pete Manzo, this issue extends beyond California and is a national crisis. “Too many hardworking households are unable to achieve a decent standard of living,” Manzo stated.
Transportation accessibility poses a significant obstacle, with AAA estimating the annual cost of owning a new car to exceed $12,000 for the average American household. Rising expenses in transportation, housing, and childcare are putting a strain on families nationwide.
Manzo acknowledges that relocating to more affordable areas may not be a feasible solution for many families. “Uprooting and moving elsewhere to cut costs isn’t a practical option for everyone,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Andrade is saving up to purchase a car for his family, determined not to give up on his goal. “They encourage me to persevere, and I believe I can make this happen,” Andrade affirmed.
