Changing Your Commute

Finding a job may seem frustrating, but it’s getting there on time that can cause the most stress.  Whether you’re battling road rage in gridlock traffic, fixing your flat bike tire in the middle of your morning rush or racing to the bus stop just to miss your ride into work, the daily commute can keep workers flustered.

The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported a decrease in the national average for time spent commuting to work, giving workers an extra 24 seconds each way.  While it’s true that every moment counts, the few extra seconds is hardly enough to transform a worker’s way to work from a morning mad dash into a stroll. 

And time is not the only issue.  The high price of gas may have you exploring your options, or maybe you just crave more nature-friendly means of making it to work. But if you’re looking to take a detour from your dead-end commute in favor of leaner, greener options, here are some options besides cruising to work in your car:

Rental car

Pros: You’ve got a car when you want it, but you’re not chained to all the costs of owning.

Cons: You’re subject to the hours and restrictions for price, location and availability allotted by the car rental companies.

Bottom line: If you live in an area where you don’t need a car all the time, there are options like Zip cars, alternatives to traditional rentals, ready to take you where you need to go when you need to do it and without the hassle of waiting for a taxi.

Bicycle

Pros: You’re getting exercise and your commuting done at the same time and you don’t have the aggravation of car insurance, gas bills, or expensive auto upkeep.

Cons: You have limited carrying ability for purchases and are an open target for the elements, as well as absent-minded drivers.

Bottom line: Unless you’re an avid cyclist, you may want to keep your bike commutes limited to the warmer months and bike-friendly areas until you get used to how to handle co-existing with cars on the road.  The expenses are relatively low, but make sure you get a decent lock, especially if you’re going to drop a lot of money into customizing your bike to make it more carry-on friendly. 

Public Transit

Pros: This is an option that allows you to avoid inclement weather without spending a lot of money.

Cons: Depending on where you live and your schedule, the public transit system can sometimes cost you a lot of time, even if you’re saving on money, and can run on irregular or inconvenient hours.

Bottom line: If you live in a city or an area where with proven reliability for public transportation, take advantage of it.  The extra money you pocket from avoiding parking fees could go to use to buying yourself a bike for the warmer months, or fixing your car for the winter. 

These are by no means the only alternatives to transportation, but they are among the most popular.  When it comes down to it, finding the best way to get to work all depends on location and your schedule, so you’re the one who will know what works best for you. 

That said, don’t be afraid to explore other options to see if there are any less expensive or alternate means that might work for you.  Changing your route to work to utilizing side streets may help you cut a little time off your commute, and even if you live in a suburb or rural area, there is always the option of carpooling.  Biking it to work now and again for light errands or occasional work days will still save you money and help you burn your own energy to your benefit.  Alternating the way you get to and from can do wonders for your health and your wallet, so try it out before you rely on your regular means of commuting.

Comments

[Matt]

These are by no means the only alternatives to transportation, but they are among the most popular. When it comes down to it, finding the best way to get to work all depends on location and your schedule, so you’re the one who will know what works best for you.