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Use public transport to get to work

Posted By: The crazyy Colombian
Posted On: April 28, 2010

(This idea was originally written as part of the article "How to reduce your carbon footprint" at Reflections of a crazy Colombian. To read the full article, visit http://tinyurl.com/howto-rcf)

The majority of people prefer to drive to work rather than taking a bus or the train. It usually has to do with control: There’s a perception that when taking the bus & Train you are too dependent on others to arrive to work on time. And there’s always the risk of not having a seat and being inconvenienced by having to stand throughout the trip. The ultimate excuse, however, is that most people are not within walking distance to their nearest train station / bus stop, whereas our cars are usually garaged a few steps from our doorsteps.

If you share at least some of these reasons, you may want to think again. Worried about a trip standing on a bus? Buy yourself a cheap MP3 player, download some interesting podcasts, and do some stretches on your trip. You will not only save on petrol and parking, but you will educate yourself and improve your health.

Similarly, not being near a train station or bus stop is not a good excuse to drive to work every day. You can always drive a short distance to a station or bus stop, park there for the whole day (usually for free), and enjoy a stress-free ride.

Make the change. Find out alternative public transport and save, avoid the stress of peak-hoir traffic, and help the environment.