From the Story
It's the life Robertson has led for the last decade, ever since his 1988 Honda Accord quit on him.
[...]
At the plant, coworkers feel odd seeing one of their team numbers always walking, says Charlie Hollis, 63, of Pontiac. "I keep telling him to get him a nice little car," says Hollis, also a machine operator.
Echoes the plant manager Wilson, "We are very much trying to get James a vehicle." But Robertson has a routine now, and he seems to like it, his coworkers say.
Is this in the bicycle commuting forum?
Many people commute by bike because they want to commute by bike. And, often choose housing that promotes one's desired lifestyle.
It sounds like this guy just likes to walk (and take the bus). And he chooses to spend his money on other things than a fancy car or maintaining a savings account.
I think I see the confusion on distances. I think it is 23 miles from home to work, but half of that is done via bus. so the RT distance turns out to be about 21 miles, unless he misses the bus.