When it comes to transportation in Anchorage, to be honest, it can be quite inconvenient without a car.

Anchorage is a typical small American city, so there's no subway system, and the main mode of transportation is personal vehicles.

So when people first move here, they often find themselves wondering, "Should I buy a car first...?"

There is a public transportation system called the People Mover.

It's operated by the city and connects downtown, midtown, and some areas near Eagle River. The problem is that the wait times are long.

Unlike in Korea, where you might wait just a few minutes, here if you miss a bus, you could wait 30 minutes or even up to an hour.

Also, the routes are limited, so it's not easy to go from "here to there" in one trip. You often have to transfer, which takes quite a bit of time.

In winter, the situation gets even tougher. When it snows and the roads freeze, buses are often delayed.

If you leave on time but the bus is late, and then you miss your connection... this kind of thing can build up stress.

However, in summer, the atmosphere changes a bit. There are quite a few people riding bicycles.

Especially with well-maintained trails like the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, some people use them for commuting and exercise.

The city is also continuously investing in expanding bike lanes, so during the warm season, it's a decent option.

But winter is a different story. When the snow piles up and the roads become icy, riding a regular bike is nearly impossible.

There are some people who ride fat tire bikes, but those folks are truly impressive. Honestly, I can't do it.

So to sum up the transportation situation in this city: "Having a car is convenient, and not having one requires planning."

It's not easy to move around spontaneously. You always have to check the schedule and calculate your route.

Personally, I see this issue as more than just a simple inconvenience; it's a matter of mobility rights.

For those without cars, especially low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities, the options are significantly reduced.

Therefore, it's necessary to expand public transportation like the People Mover.

Oh, by the way, both Uber and Lyft work very well in Anchorage.

This is a common opinion among locals: "Have both apps installed." The reason is to compare real-time prices and pickup times.

One might be cheaper or arrive faster on different days, so if you only use one, you might feel like you're missing out.

Once you request a ride, it's usually available. Especially at Anchorage Airport, drivers are accustomed to operating according to flight schedules.

Just remember one thing about pricing: "There are no fixed rates." Prices change based on demand. So one day Uber might be cheaper, and another day Lyft might be more affordable.

In any case, Anchorage is a beautiful city with great nature and a good quality of life. However, there is definitely room for improvement when it comes to transportation.

If there's a bit more public investment in the future, I believe it can become a much more livable city.