Re-discovering public transportation

[Le Taz Hot]

My financial situation in the last couple of years has been somewhat, er, restricted and the price of gas has become so prohibitive that I looked into our local public transportation system as an alternative to putting so much money in my gas tank. What I found was that I could purchase a monthly bus pass, which gives me unlimited ridership, for only $35.00. (I'm fortunate enough to live near a major mall where there are 6 bus connections.) Anyway, I figure I'm saving about $120.00 every 2 months which buys a LOT of groceries.

Additionally, I have to walk a pretty good distance to the bus stops which gives me my exercise so I'm actually kind of getting a two-fer.

Granted, there are whole sections of the city the system doesn't cover and one does have to put up with the occasional 5150, but all-in-all, $35.00 a month for unlimited ridership is a damned good deal.

And yes, I'm completely aware that this is not an option for many people but there may be others who could benefit who have not yet explored this option. Anyway, something to consider.

[madokie]

1. if only we had public transportation

we have 3 choices, cops to jail, ambulance to hospital, taxi, shit we don't even have taxi service

[Virginia Dare]

2. Part of the problem in this country is it's infrastructure...

urban sprawl is a huge albatross around our necks. For the most part, Americans can't or won't walk anywhere. Schools are not built in neighborhoods anymore, for example. Here in the D.C. suburbs it's not uncommon for people to have to travel 30, 60, or 100 or more miles to get to their place of employment. This problem will grow bigger as the years pass, and I suspect the next generation will have to face this as a very serious issue to be dealt with.

[Bridget Burke]

4. And the infrastructure is crumbling--never mind expanding it!

How many people could get jobs improving the infrastructure if we could re-direct that money being wasted in Iraq?

[Virginia Dare]

8. Rev. Al Sharpton was the only one who addressed this...

during the Presidential campaign and people dismissed him as a lunatic. I always thought that alot of his ideas made sense.

:shrug:

[Le Taz Hot]

6. Oh, I do understand the obstacles.

And I know it's not a possibility for a lot of people, but perhaps it will spur the citizenry in various municipalities to put pressure on the locals to allocate more funding to public transportation thereby implementing or improving same.

But you are correct. We were warned about a gas shortage for a LONG time now and we've chosen to ignore those warnings.


Edit: Speeling

[Bridget Burke]

3. I commute by public transportation in HOUSTON!

Since I live & work in areas that are well served. But Houston's a big, sprawling place & not everyone has the same opportunity. The area is struggling to get more mass transit. However, we're a newish city, born in the day of the automobile.

Although some of the close-in neighborhoods that were suburbs long ago have esplanades that once were trolley tracks. And I grew up stuck out in the country--the Interurban that used to carry people between Houston & Galveston was destroyed to make room for a Freeway.

[MadHound]

5. Good for you!

Such a prospect is out of the question for me, since I live in the country. However my little scooter gets 100mpg, and tops out at 55-60mph. With a 52 mile round trip commute every day, I'm still only paying about $5.00 more a month that you are for transportation.

It isn't for everybody, but little scooters could really help this country out if people would start using them.

[vptpt]

7. You're absolutely right

About 3 years ago, I quit smoking (cigarettes, that is...), stopped driving, and started walking a lot more. Now I feel better at 32 than I did at 22. I wish everyone had this option. Not only is it better for your health, it's good for the planet too. It's a win-win!

Now, if only we could get a good nationwide system going...(yeah, right).

[AllieB]

9. I take public transportation everyday

I live in the suburbs, so I take the commuter rail to the subway to get to work. It's expensive, but it's still cheaper and less stressful than driving! Thankfully, my metro area has good public transportation.