How to Find Inexpensive and Efficient Public Transportation

If you drive to work alone and your commute is getting slower, more congested and more stressful, maybe it's time to try a commuting alternative.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bus Tickets
• Commuter Passes
• Road Bikes

1. Ride the bus, as these services often provide express, local and out-of-town transportation. Buses also offer transfers to park-and-ride lots, airports, ferries, trains and light-rail systems.

2. Join a carpool and save up to $3,000 a year on fuel, maintenance, parking and tolls. Carpoolers also save 30 minutes or more using commuter lanes.

3. Enjoy a beautiful view and avoid gridlock on a comfortable and relaxing ferry ride to your workplace.

4. Commute across the city in a light rail or cable system. These are quick and inexpensive ways to beat traffic.

5. Breeze through long distances with commuter trains, which are particularly efficient and cost-effective when you need to get from one urban area to another.

6. Save money. Ride in commuter lanes and make friends by using your local park and ride. Lots are located next to most freeways where traffic congestion is a problem.

Tips & Warnings

• Take the bike and get in shape while riding to work. Bus, train and transit services normally allow people to bring their bikes on board.
• You can read the newspaper, take a nap, listen to CDs or trade stocks while taking the bus, train, vanpool, ferry, light rail, or park and ride.

[jerryb1]

on 10/1/2008 There is no question about the value and expanding use of public transportation. There is a yet to be solved problem with respect to a sizable portion of the potential new users.

Many of us live in the near and far suburbs of most metro areas. We have been carefully taught to use our personal vehicles to shop, to work, and to enjoy the wide ranging public entertainment and educational locations available to us.

Our current homes represent a sizable investment of our conventional treasure and that special kind that dwells in our value systems. We now need a truly local transportation network that will connect with an expanding general community transportation system.

While roller skates might suit some of us, they don't work very will in the winter.

Any thoughts for those who might enjoy winter but do not do roller skates?