Ride public transportation and save

As everyone settles into new routines for 2010, many individuals are looking for ways to cut costs. Whether in an attempt to be more “green” or to save money for a college fund, people want options that will not adversely impact their lifestyles or daily habits. One way to cut costs and go “green” with one simple change is to switch to public transportation. Switching to public transportation saves on gas, reduces emissions, and can make commutes more productive. If you compare the prices of commuting in your own car by yourself to taking public transportation, you may be surprised how much money you could save. When you compare the cost of gas, average amount used monthly, and the cost of parking to that of the cost of a monthly bus pass it seems to be a clear choice. The national gas average, as of the Jan. 11, 2010, report, is $2.75 per gallon for regular and $3.03 per gallon for premium. An average gas tank holds 15-18 gallons of fuel. With gas mileage varying greatly between makes and models of cars, the average mileage for 2009 ranges from 24.2-32.6 miles per gallon. The average United States driver travels 29 miles per day. This disparity of averages leads to dramatic differences in fuel costs. The least expensive monthly gas cost based on the above averages is $73.39 for one car; the highest is $108.93. A nationwide average transit pass costs $68.62 a month. That is a savings of $4.77-$40.31 per month or $57.23-$483.72 per year. That does not include the cost to own and maintain a car or the cost of paid parking. These savings are also subject to change based on location and other variables unique to individuals. There are a number of sources where you can calculate and compare your savings to those in your area. The environmental impact commuting to and from work has can be quite the influential factor in deciding your mode of transportation. Taking public transportation makes a huge impact on your personal carbon emissions. You might be surprised how much carbon emissions you are emitting simply by driving yourself to work everyday. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a gallon of gasoline is assumed to produce 19.4 pounds of CO2. The Green Car Congress states in a study that, “an individual commuter switching from single occupancy driving to public transit can reduce his or her daily carbon emissions by 20 pounds—more than 4,800 pounds in a year.” Carpooling and utilizing public transportation is a simple way to cut your travel time. With fewer cars on the road, your commute can become more consistent in length with fewer traffic jams. Also, while you are commuting with public transportation, you no longer have to focus on driving and can accomplish other tasks while you ride. This allows you the time to finish up last-minute details on a project for work, organize a family vacation (or stay-cation), or even catch up on current events by reading online newspapers or watching the news. Using public transportation allows you to accomplish more in your day while cutting costs and going “green.” These are not the only benefits to taking public transportation. Public transportation adds another opportunity to socialize and meet people you may otherwise not have the chance to meet. While riding public transportation you have a chance to relax and converse with other commuters. You may make a new friend! Public transportation can also help alleviate some of the stress in your life. Since you no longer have to focus on driving or the traffic jams. Removing the stress of driving during rush hour helps remove the stress and you are less likely to get overworked about the traffic and may not be as stressed when you arrive at your destination.