Essentials for the carless life
We've already told you how much money you'd save by ditching your car. Now it's time to spend that cash on must-haves for the carless lifestyle.
We've already told you how much money you'd save by ditching your car. Now it's time to spend that cash on must-haves for the carless lifestyle.
* A good pair of shoes: Karen McGovern, owner of Rittenhouse Sports Specialities (1717 Chestnut St., 215-569-9957, rittenhousesports.com) suggests Saucony, Brooks and Asic because they come in different widths.
* The latest apps: SEPTA just announced TransitView (septa.com/transitview), which uses GPS to track buses and trolleys in real time.
iSepta (free iPhone app or iSepta.org) provides regional rail schedules.
Trainboard ($2.99, iPhone app store) tells you if your train is on time.
SeptaDroid for Android users is comparable to Trainboard but also stores bus and trolley schedules.
Phone not that smart? Text "SEPTA" and your bus stop number (find it at septa.org/stops) to 41411. You'll get a text back with the next four scheduled arrivals.
* A grocery cart: May have an old-lady aesthetic, but your biceps will thank you. Pick up two sizes at the South Philly Acme (1400 E. Passyunk Ave.) for $25 or $29.
* Cool bags: Custom-made, superdurable Cordura grocery bags ($25-$40) from Girl.Bike.Dog. (625 S. 23rd St., 215-253-8364, girlbikedog.com).
We also have to give it up for organic totes ($18), emblazoned with Sara Selepouchin's signature designs at Philly's Girls Can Tell (girlscantell.com).
R.E.Load Bags (608 N. 2nd St., 215-625-2987, reloadbags.com) makes messenger bags fit to survive the most harrowing trips. Choose single strap ($97-$215), double strap ($190-$250) or appliquéd models like the Lil' Goldtooth ($345).
* A good delivery service: Genuardi's doesn't deliver to the entire city, but it comes pretty close. Fee ($6.95-$12.95) varies by delivery time and order. Go to genuardis.com. (Sign up for the newsletter and get free-delivery coupons.)
Shoprite has one delivery rate ($15.95, shoprite.com) for online shopping but goes to fewer ZIP codes. Shop in-store yourself and Shoprite will deliver your bags for $5.95 if you call ahead to make a reservation.