Public Transit

As the world re-opens after a year and a half of restrictions, it is time for most people to get back to their old commute habits. Unless you are permanently working remotely, you will be back commuting if you haven’t done so already. Which type of transit should you take? Car? Carpooling? Bus? Subway? Train? Bike? It all depends on where you live and how much you can handle the traffic. Here are the various modes of transportation and a list of advantages and disadvantages of getting around.

Transport by Car

Commuting by car is the most common source of transportation to get around. It is convenient, we have our own little privacy, and it is simple to get around. Although taking the car is the most reliable way to commute. It has its disadvantages. The environmental impact on commuting had been an issue for decades. The amount of pollution released from the engine is harmful to the environment and a big contribution to climate change. Another problem is the economic impact on our wallets. Paying at the pump, car repairs, and depending where you live, you may need to pay heavy for parking.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Efficient	Bad for the environment
Privacy	Stuck in traffic
Control the heating and A/C	Expensive
You’re in control	Dealing with other drivers on the road

Transport by Subway

Traveling by subway is a popular way of getting around, especially when living in a city. It is perhaps the must reliable source of transportation. It is usually inexpensive, and makes transport around the city, very fast. The only disadvantages are when the subways are overcrowded, and in the event the subway is shutdown.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Inexpensive	Might be dirty
Relax and enjoy the ride	Standing if there’s no seat available
No need to find parking	May be picketers on the train
No traffic	Service disruptions

Transport by Bus

A lot of people do not like taking the bus because the service can be insufficient and it can be uncomfortable. After all, it’s easier to get around by car. Bus lanes can help save time as cars and trucks are prohibited during certain hours of the day.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Inexpensive	Buses may run late or not show up
Environmentally friendly	Waiting in the cold or in the heat
Relax and enjoy the ride	Can be overcrowded
Skip the traffic through bus lanes	Can get stuck in traffic

Commuting by Train

The good old train. It is quick, and you have views where you won’t get anywhere else. It is convenient to take the train to avoid the morning and afternoon traffic. Taking the train can be a bit expensive and their schedule may not be suitable for everyone.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Travels Quickly	May be running late
No Traffic	Need to rely on their schedule
Can look Outside the Window	A bit costly

Carpooling

To help save money, and to be environmentally friendly, carpooling is a great way to get around. There are lanes dedicated to carpool drivers, and it’s one less car on the road. The only issue is not having your independence.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Less Cars in the Road	Need to rely on the Driver for a Lift

Cycling

Cycling is growing more and more as a way to get around. Depending where you live, there are lanes dedicated to cyclists. It is inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Cycling can be fun, but watch out for moving vehicles.

Advantages	Disadvantages
Inexpensive	May get a flat
Good Exercise	Difficult to cycle in the winter
Environmentally Friendly	Motorists may cut you off

Location, Location, Location

The type of transportation that you should get around depends on where you live. Major cities usually have a subway system where you can get around. It is very sufficient for those who leave near a subway station. Getting around by car in the city is rough because of heavy traffic and usually offer pay parking which adds up to what you are already spending on a car.

Coming from the suburbans really depends on the service public transit offers and your schedule. If you have a 9 to 5 job, and you live near a train station then taking the train is the easiest way to get around. Just don’t miss the 6 PM train when you leave because service tends to really slow down during off-peak hours. Taking the car to work depends on the type of situation you are in. If you have kids and have other responsibilities outside of work hours, then you may have no choice but to take the car despite the gridlock traffic going into town. If commuting to work does not require following the traffic then you are in luck.

Driving is a must if you live in a rural area. Buses in rural communities usually have service once every hour, and some buses only offer service during rush hour periods. Not to mention that they do bring you directly into the city, but rather a train or subway station.

To conclude, commuting really depends on where you live and if you have other responsibilities.

Until my next blog post, take care and thanks for reading.

Robert Toto

Blogger