If you live in the dorm you probably don't have to worry too much about getting to and from school. But, for those of us who have long commutes, sometimes a car might seem like the quicker way to get around town. Many Millennials who don't have a cars use rideshare services to get around. Sadly, this is not the best alternative because it can hurt your wallet, the environment and even contribute to more traffic congestion in your city. There are many small victories that come with taking public transportation, here are a few:
1. The adventure is worth the cost
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Public transportation is a good way to see your city and get to know the people who live there. If you're not in your hometown while in college or working your first job, exploring the city on the bus is a great budget-friendly way to get to know your surroundings. While the trip to work or school on the bus or tram may take longer than a car, it also gives you valuable time to get exercise when walking to your destination or bus stop.
2. It's environmentally-friendly
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With greenhouse gas emissions climbing more and more every day, it's imperative we focus on ways to reduce our carbon footprint. In the United States, transportation accounts for 29% of greenhouse emissions. Air quality is often the worst in highly populated metropolitan areas. That's why so many large cities have made it their mission to implement cheap and extremely efficient ways to get around on the bus or trolley. Public transportation can help metropolitan and urban areas meet national air quality standards by reducing the number of overall vehicle pollutants that create smog.
3. Safety first!
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According to Tulsa personal injury lawyer, J. Spencer Bryan, car accidents have continued to climb across the US. Contributing factors include a major increase in distracted driving among young adults. Public transportation is significantly safer than riding in a car as either the driver or passenger. A recent study posted in the Journal of Public Transportation found that riding commuter or the intercity rail is about 20 times safer, and riding the bus is 60 times safer than driving a car.
4. Your wallet will thank you!
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Hopping on the metro or bus can seriously save you some cash. The average pass for public transportation (depending on your city) can range between $30-$70 a month. When comparing that number to the average monthly expenses a car can cost, this price seems like a steal. Riding public transportation saves you money on a car insurance payment, car loan payment and not to mention, gas.
5. People-watching is the BEST
.aditya. on VisualHunt CC BY-NC-SA
The most amazing thing about public transportation is the beauty of talking with complete strangers and sharing a story with them. Sometimes taking out the headphones, getting off your phone and listening to the conversations people around you are having can be fun and allow you to meet new people. It's also a perfect time to get in some reading or do some last minute homework.
Public transportation comes with many great benefits for your health and happiness. It gives you a chance to explore your city and get to know your "neighbors" and the community a little bit better. Even if you decide it's not the perfect fit for your daily commute, getting around on public transportation every once in a while can help reduce the stresses of road rage and allow you to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!
