Car or public transport? The pros and cons of owning a car in Yorkshire

The choice between a private car and public transport is a question that worries many Yorkshire residents. After all, life in Yorkshire is a unique combination of the rhythm of big cities with the incredible nature of national parks and picturesque rural landscapes. The comfort of everyday life, costs and even the quality of leisure often depend on the mode of transport. So which option is better?

Convenience, mobility, comfort

The people of Yorkshire rely heavily on cars. According to the Department for Transport, in 2023, households in the Yorkshire and Humber region owned an average of 1.23 cars. Over the past 20 years, the number of cars in the region has increased by 8%.

Having your own car allows you to plan routes regardless of timetables. You have complete independence – a car gives you freedom of movement, the ability to travel on your own schedule. This is especially convenient for families with children, people living outside the city who like to travel, or those who work in shifts. It is also convenient if you are transporting large purchases or pets.

Not all villages or places of interest are well connected by public transport. Many of the beautiful places in Yorkshire are much easier to reach by car than by public transport, especially at weekends.

Having your own car means silence, your favourite music, your own space, a warm interior in winter and coolness in summer.

Congestion, parking, financial costs and environmental impact

The British usually choose reliable and economical car models that are well suited to local roads and weather conditions.

Compact cars such as Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, Peugeot 208, Nissan Juke, Toyota Yaris are often seen on the roads of Yorkshire’s major cities.

But owning a car has certain disadvantages:

In Yorkshire’s major cities, rush hours are often accompanied by significant congestion, resulting in time and stress.
Finding a parking space in the centre of a big city is quite a quest. Moreover, the cost of parking can be high.
Owning a car is a significant financial outlay. In addition to the initial purchase price, you need to consider insurance, taxes, fuel costs, and regular maintenance. This includes periodic technical check-ups, replacement of brake pads, tyres and, of course, engine oil changes. Ignoring this can lead to costly repairs.
Cars, especially older models, contribute to air pollution, which is a growing problem in urban areas. In cities that have already introduced environmental zones, cars with traditional engines may be restricted.

Use of public transport

Public transport offers an alternative to the private car.

Using public transport is usually much cheaper than owning a car. You don’t have to worry about fuel costs, insurance, maintenance or repairs.

You don’t have to drive in traffic or look for parking. You can relax, read a book, listen to music or work during the journey.

Public transport is a more environmentally friendly option because it carries a large number of people, reducing the overall amount of emissions.

In many of Yorkshire’s major towns and cities, public transport has a well-developed network that makes it easy to get to business and shopping areas.

Disadvantages of public transport:

1. Limited accessibility. In some rural areas of the UK, residents live in areas with limited public transport. According to theguardian.com, in 2019-2024, bus services in rural areas decreased by 18%.

2. Dependence on the schedule. Planning a route requires additional time and attention. Travelling by public transport can often take longer due to stops and transfers.

If you miss the last bus, you will have to call a taxi or walk.

Delays or cancellations are not uncommon. It can be difficult to get to your destination on time in bad weather or on weekends.

3. Less comfort. During rush hours, transport is overcrowded and it is difficult to find a free seat. In addition, public transport is not always the cleanest or quietest. Waiting for a bus at a bus stop in rainy and cold weather is not the most pleasant experience.

The choice between a car and public transport largely depends on individual needs, lifestyle and where you live. Sometimes the best solution is to combine both options – use public transport on weekdays and a car for weekend trips. It’s important to weigh up the pros and cons carefully to make the best choice for getting around Yorkshire comfortably and efficiently.