If You’re Not Using Public Transportation, You Should Be
Why Don’t You Use Public Transportation?
The face of public transportation has definitely changed over the years. Who would have thought commercials for the bus would be so popular? Wondering what the hype is about? If you’re not using public transportation, you may not know what you’re missing.
The Benefits of Public Transportation
Public transportation has several benefits over independently traveling in an automobile. First of all, it is much cleaner on the environment. Another benefit is the cost to the consumer is usually much cheaper than the cost of the traveling by car yourself.
If you think public transportation isn’t as safe as driving yourself, you may want to think twice. Public transportation can actually be safer than self-transport. You don’t have to worry about falling asleep at the wheel and it’s more likely for a 4-door sedan to get hit by another car than it is for a big bus.
Costs Vary
Each public transportation system is different in regards to the amount of fares, how you pay, and how to get discounted monthly passes. This makes traveling mass transit a little bit intimidating for the first timer. There are, however, several ways to get the information you need.
The Internet can be a priceless resource when it comes to researching public transportation. Visit the transportation agencies’ websites to get fares, schedules and other necessary information. Another easy way to get the public transportation info you need is to call the customer service number for that transportation agency.
Money In Your Pocket
While it’s true that public transportation isn’t free, it can definitely save you money. The biggest cost savers come in the form of reduced wear and tear on your automobile, less gas and no tolls or parking garage fees. You will find that weekly or monthly public transportation passes can save you quite a bit of money.
Just How Much Are We Talking About?
Wondering exactly how much money we’re talking about here? Here’s an example.
I live in a state that borders a major American city. They transportation agency sells an unlimited bus pass from a bus stop near my house to the downtown district of that city. The cost for the pass is $78 for unlimited usage.
If I drove my vehicle instead of taking public transportation, it would cost me $3 in tolls per round trip. That is around $60 a month in tolls alone. If I paid for parking, it would be an additional $24a day. That is another $400.
So already, without even factoring in the cost of gas savings, I’m already saving more than $380 a month by using public transportation. That’s not chump change.
If you’re like me and you fancy the idea of saving money and helping the environment at the same time, then maybe consider giving public transportation a try.