Unable to afford a car to get to work is a major factor in unemployment statistics of the working poor. When I had a job finding jobs for the working poor, one of the biggest challenges was arranging transportation.
I have a new co-worker who bikes about 5 miles or so here from a bus stop then bikes some more to get home. $2,000 down and $210 a month for 3 years got me a 2003 Honda Accord some 3 and a half years ago.