Finding Public Transportation
Getting from Point A to Point B seems like some of the simplest problems in life, yet it can often be one of the worst. Having a car is often the fastest way around, but leaves it you relying on parking and may not be the best environmental and financial choice. Depending on the type of community you live in, public transportation can be a few steps away or several miles from your home. The Apartments.com staff understands your dilemma and has assembled a list of options to ease your commute. Some are tried-and-true, others you may not have heard of before. In any case, we hope you find a convenient way to get to where you need to be!Â
Buses and Trains
Your trip may require one or both of these, especially if you live in a major city or have a long trip. Start off by visiting http://www.publictransportation.org/systems/ to see what types of options are available. This site gives a county-by-county listing of your public transportation options and links you to local websites for more detailed information. If getting to the station is a problem, consider riding a bike or give yourself extra time to walk. This can be a great way to work exercise into your daily routine! Bikes are often allowed on public transportation or can be locked up at the station to pick up on your way home. Monthly passes will usually save you money compared to daily passes, even if you don’t plan on traveling every day of the week.
Carpools
Local carpools are another great way to get where you need to go, quickly and efficiently. You can check your local town website or community center to find a rider or a driver. If you can’t locate one this way, try out http://www.erideshare.com/. This is free site that allows you to place ads either as a driver or a passenger. All you have to do is register, place your listing and then look over a list of matches. Contact the matches and try to work out a route plan that works for all of you. You can be the driver and collect for gas and maintenance or pay someone else to do the driving. The rates and route plans are completely up to you to negotiate. The majority of the listings are for long-distance travel but there are some local listings as well.
Car Sharing Services
Car sharing is a relatively new way to commute. It works like this: You sign up to be a part of a car-sharing network that owns a fleet of vehicles in your area. When you need a car, call or go online to reserve one. You pay only for the time that you are using the car, which means you don’t have to worry about holding long-term insurance or paying for repairs. The site http://www.carsharing.net/index.html has a listing of all the car sharing companies in the country and links to each one. For many services you pay an annual fee (around $25) and then by hour and/or mile. You can also purchase a set monthly plan if you have more traveling than usual to do during a certain time of the year.      Â
Take Two Wheels
Motor bikes give you the freedom to drive yourself but offer easier parking options and are much more fuel-efficient than cars. Or try the human-powered kind of bike and forget parking and gas altogether. Motor bikes are available in a wide range of styles and price ranges to fit your lifestyle. Shop around before you buy, as many sales and specials are available for these products. If you do opt for a bicycle try the one specially made for commuting. Often called “urban” or “commuter” bikes these versions have the ideal tire size and brakes for traveling on pavement to make your commute safe and efficient. Don’t forget the helmet! Â
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