Do you know what surprised me the most when I first came to Montgomery? It was the realization that "without a car, you really can't do anything."

In Korea, just having buses or subways is enough to go shopping, visit the hospital, or meet friends.

However, Montgomery has a completely different atmosphere. Here, cars are a necessity for daily life.

The public transportation in Montgomery is operated by a city bus service called The M Transit. It used to be widely known as MAX Transit, but the name has changed. There are about 14 bus routes and approximately 680 stops. On weekdays, buses run from 5 AM to 9 PM, and on Saturdays, most services end around 6 PM. On Sundays, regular city buses do not operate, which can be quite confusing for first-time visitors.

The issue is the frequency of the buses. Depending on the route, some may have a wait time of about 20 minutes, while others may require waiting over an hour. If you miss a bus, you might have to wait a long time for the next one. You can check bus locations and times on The M Transit website or the Moovit app, but it still isn't as convenient as having a car.

Therefore, it's not easy to live in Montgomery using only the bus. Especially when considering trips to Korean markets, visiting hospitals, or commuting to work and school, having a car is almost essential. Like most southern cities, Montgomery is designed around car travel.

The roads are actually quite easy to drive on. The most important roads are I-65 and I-85. I-65 connects Birmingham to the north and Mobile to the south, while I-85 leads towards Auburn and Atlanta. The point where these two highways intersect is the core traffic hub of Montgomery, and during rush hours, traffic can get congested, so it's advisable to allow some extra time.

However, compared to major cities like New York or LA, traffic congestion is much less severe. The average commute time is about 20 minutes, so most people arrive at work within 30 minutes. Those who used to commute over an hour in big cities will likely find this very convenient.

That said, the condition of the roads can be a bit disappointing. Some older roads have uneven surfaces, and potholes can occasionally appear. As a result, locals often check their tire pressure and wheel alignment regularly. Many say that basic maintenance is important for keeping a car running well.

In conclusion, Montgomery is a city where life is centered around cars, not public transportation. It may feel a bit strange at first, but the advantage is that traffic isn't too congested, and you can get anywhere in 20 to 30 minutes. If you're planning to move to Montgomery, I would suggest that preparing to buy or rent a car is the most realistic preparation you can make.