This week we are focusing on how little money automakers will receive from Generation Y. I read this article, which is backed up by research and statistics, but I find that this does not apply to the city of Miami. This is the only city in the US where I have lived but, I visited other cities in the country where this article could be relevant. In Miami, if you do not have a car you do not exist. I don't mean this in terms of "coolness" or popularity but in terms of practicality. For example, I live in an area where the closest supermarket is 4 blocks away. To many this might not seem like a big deal but the blocks are sooo long that it takes me 15 min just to get there by foot. Also, how are you supposed to take all the groceries back to your home??? The public transportation in Miami is very poor and inconvenient .This is not just my opinion but this Forbes article supports it too. Miami ranks at the # 3 worst city for commuters,public transportation is not too well organized. Therfore, citizens MUST have a car in order to go to work and carry on their daily routines. One of the things that surprised me the most when I went back to Argentina to vacation was the fact that all commerce was so accesible and close. I find that this is the case in many pther cities but in Miami things are different. I think it all depends where you are living and if anuything, automakers can move down to Florida. Tuesday, November 9, 2010
This week we are focusing on how little money automakers will receive from Generation Y. I read this article, which is backed up by research and statistics, but I find that this does not apply to the city of Miami. This is the only city in the US where I have lived but, I visited other cities in the country where this article could be relevant. In Miami, if you do not have a car you do not exist. I don't mean this in terms of "coolness" or popularity but in terms of practicality. For example, I live in an area where the closest supermarket is 4 blocks away. To many this might not seem like a big deal but the blocks are sooo long that it takes me 15 min just to get there by foot. Also, how are you supposed to take all the groceries back to your home??? The public transportation in Miami is very poor and inconvenient .This is not just my opinion but this Forbes article supports it too. Miami ranks at the # 3 worst city for commuters,public transportation is not too well organized. Therfore, citizens MUST have a car in order to go to work and carry on their daily routines. One of the things that surprised me the most when I went back to Argentina to vacation was the fact that all commerce was so accesible and close. I find that this is the case in many pther cities but in Miami things are different. I think it all depends where you are living and if anuything, automakers can move down to Florida. 
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I couldn't agree more how Miami cannot be considered in this study because I don't think I know anyone in Miami that would rather walk to the market instead of taking there car. And not because we are lazy, but because as a young woman walking alone the market is dangerous not only do you have to worry about the crime aspect, but crossing the streets in Miami is complete suicide.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the internet or any other factor could make me opt to buy gadgets instead of a car that will take me where I need to go.
I just posted a comment reflecting these same thoughts. The article may indicate decreased consumer preference for cars, but the research must have been conducted anywhere but Miami. Personally, I would give up my cell phone and internet access if it meant keeping my car.
ReplyDeleteLiving in Miami, the idea of preferring gadgets over a car purchase is not reasonable. And the ability to use social media to car pool is difficult because of long distances between contacts and where I live.
I totally agree Miami is the worse place to not have a car. Distances are so long that there is no way to live here without a car. If you try to use the transportation of this city it could get really frustrating, buses only passes through the bus station every hour or more, so if you miss a bus for sure you are going to be late to wherever you are going.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite certain. The research is not relevant for some cities like Miami where definitely people rely on their cars as their main source of transportation. It is not that easy for people to use buses or the metro here in Miami. I have a friend at work who needs to leave at least 2 hours in advance his home to be able to make it on time to work. That is why people rather go for a used car and get the so called "transportation car" and make their lives much easier.
ReplyDeleteI slightly agree with your statement... It IS possible to live in Miami without a car. Transportation efforts have increased throughout the city: trolleys, metro rail stations, bus stations, etc. The inconvenience of living in Miami without a car may be difficult (i.e.: weather conditions, Miami's public transportation does not reach everywhere in the city, etc.), thus the article's findings of decrease in automotive sales due to the Internet does not apply.
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