I live in Melbourne, Australia -- where it's pretty easy to live without a car (I don't have a car). The anecdotal reasons I see here are: - Definitely the pre

I live in Melbourne, Australia -- where it's pretty easy to live without a car (I don't have a car). The anecdotal reasons I see here are: - Definitely the preference for (usually inner-city) higher density areas, which already have good, accessible transit. However, the root cause is these areas are cool, rather than (just) specifically public transport. - Congestion means getting around the inner-city is a real drag in a car. Parking is worse. This makes public transport an easier option. More often than not, people are opting for bikes. I live in the CBD and commute to the inner city. Bike is by far the quickest, public transport next and car a distant third. - Explosion in the availability and convenience of car sharing. - Cost is an issue, but a lot of people I speak to just say it's a "hassle" owning a car, rather than specifically the expense. Sustainable and environmental issues crop up too. - An ongoing and persistent crack-down on drink-driving over the last 2 decades. Young people want to drink & are happy to take public transport to do so.