Aussie Fuel Crisis: “Is This a Safe Area to Leave My Automobile?”

This evening I looked into the eyes of someone in hell – mortgage rates and electricity bills soaring, gasoline prices near doubling in a week, but he has a family to support.

I was walking my dogs past a guy waiting at a bus stop. I didn’t know who he was, but I said “Hi”, as you do – I live in a friendly neighbourhood.

He said “Hi”, hesitated a moment, then asked “What is this area like?”

I replied “Its pretty good, are you thinking of moving here?”

He replied “No, I have to leave my car here. I can’t afford fuel. My job is here, but I live in [town 25 miles away]. I can’t afford the fuel to drive here anymore. I can afford $1.50 bus fare, but not the fuel to drive home every night”.

I said “Its a pretty quiet area. The only trouble I ever had, two years ago someone stabbed my tires. But I’ve never had a car stolen here.”.

Then I suggested “Leave your car next to the park, nobody will bother it. But make sure you move it every night, park somewhere different every night”.

Why not live in the town he works in? Rents in my area are over $700 / week, up from $400 / week three years ago, and houses start at half a million dollars. The town he lives in is more affordable, but has fewer job opportunities.