Unusual info request...

[np251]

Hey Everyone

I am moving from the UK to Stanford, Palo Alto in a month...and have my AOW booked in Monterey in mid august.

My unusual info request is this- i have absolutely no idea how to get from A-B. Is there a rail/bus service that wouldnt be too much hassle to get, or is it a bit more complicated than that.

The reason i ask, is that i am also weighing up the pros/cons of buying a car and because i was hoping to get to Monterey once a month. Initially, is it realistic to get public transport for the first few months, or am i best buddying up with someone with their own wheels

cheers for any input...

 

[dlndavid]

About the only place you can get by without a car is San Francisco. And getting around by bus could be a major pain. I would vote for getting a car. Plus there is a lot to see here in California and for that a car is the best way to do it on your own schedule.

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

A student at Stanford can get by with a bike. I did for four years. But if you want to
take off for Monterey, you are going to need a car, or a buddy with a car.

To my knowledge, there is not a SCUBA club on campus. There did used to be.

 

[dannobee]

Having returned from London just a couple of weeks ago, and being impressed with your "Tube" or "Underground" system, I can say, without hesitation, that you'll need a car here. We don't have anything even remotely close to that. Steal rides for awhile, then buy a car-even a cheap beater car if you must.

 

[lonerider00]

living in california w/ out a car?!?! HA! this is a joke right???
seriously though, you definately need a car around here... or a buddy w/ a car, or a buddy, w/out a car when you have 1 (so he gives you the gas $). point is, you can't get very far w/ out some motorized equiptment

 

[mweitz]

You can always do the bike thing like Chuck suggested for most of your stuff and rent when you want to dive or explore. A lot of folks in SF do this regularly.

 

[speedhound]

Hey Everyone

I am moving from the UK to Stanford, Palo Alto in a month...and have my AOW booked in Monterey in mid august.

My unusual info request is this- i have absolutely no idea how to get from A-B. Is there a rail/bus service that wouldnt be too much hassle to get, or is it a bit more complicated than that.

The reason i ask, is that i am also weighing up the pros/cons of buying a car and because i was hoping to get to Monterey once a month. Initially, is it realistic to get public transport for the first few months, or am i best buddying up with someone with their own wheels

cheers for any input...

Hi NP,
I moved to the States five years ago. In Missouri we had no problem buying a car (cash!), but had to have a US licence to insure it and so drive it legally. Since 9/11 the rules about non-US citizens getting a drivers licence have been tightened to the point of bondage. If you're coming over on a legit work or student visa you should be able to get a licence, but will need to take your passport (with visa) and I-94 to the State Motor vehicle licensing department/bureau. You'll probably have to take both the written and driving tests. In MO and OH there's no charge for the testing, but you do have to pay for the licence - a lot cheaper than the UK!

Oh, to answer your question - you'll need a car!
Cheers!

 

[Wristshot]

As a native Californian, I gotta tell you, if it is more than 3 houses away, we drive! Walking and Biking etc is for exercise. Well, at least it used to be that way.

We are a very car oriented society in California. For local stuff in and around Stanford a bicycle would be a great (and cheaper) way to get around. However, the public transit systems are not wonderful around here. (I use Light Rail on occasion)

However, there are a lot of divers in the Bay Area and if you make friends, you might be able to get rides from people for various dive adventures.

Just some random thoughts.


Wristshot

 

[pterantula]

Cars and petrol being what they are (= headaches, albatrosses), you may want to get a bike for tooling around town, and then rent a car for dive weekends. Even better, team up with some other folks who dive Monterey and carpool.
I haven't owned a car for many years, and I'm so glad. I live in San Freaksicko though, so Muni, Bart, CalTrain & friends take me everywhere I need to go....

Welcome to the Golden State!

 

[IanK]

Let me know when you get to Palo Alto. Perhaps I could meet you in Monterey sometime once your transportation is sorted out. I live in Davis (work at UC Davis) so Palo Alto is not on nthe way. The advice that you need a car (own or rental) or a good buddy, is sound.