Bus Transit- End of the first week

Leave a comment

August 23, 2012 by Art Eddy

So I made it a week. I only needed to get into my truck once in the past six days. I was able to successfully maneuver my way through two nights of events and a fairly hectic schedule juggling three kids ands sports while using public transportation, mostly because of my wife. Actually, the bus has made me even more efficient. I am held to a schedule that is not mine.

Riding the bus is somewhat relaxing as I have taken back the time that I spent driving and put it to better use and in the mean time put a few dollars back in my pocket. I have ridden the bus all different hours of the day and found it convenient, clean and efficient. Most of all there is always something interesting going on during the trip with a wide range of characters to watch. I have even become somewhat cocky as I watched someone pull out their schedule to figure out where they are going; “Newbie”.

With all that said, I had one day of weather in a light drizzle and have not faced any real elements yet and I have basically travelled from my office to home. The bus drops me off a block from my office and my transfer is usually a few minutes behind my arrival to Kennedy Plaza. I started to think that I could get out of my car and use public transportation and then started  to think of heavy rain, sleet, and snow. I have had it easy so far. Would I be as enthusiastic if I had to hoof it another three or four blocks? Would I still ride the bus if I had to stand and wait five minutes in zero degree weather? I do not know the answer yet, but I will find out.

Here are a few tips for using the RIPTA bus line:
1.0 Do your research, this not an easy bus line to understand. Don’t think you are going to just look at a map and figure out where you are going. I figured out how to get to and from work and that is about it.
2.0. Be ready to adapt to change. You may miss the bus and you need to be ready for plan “B”.
3.0. Riding the bus has so many benefits and the main one does not mean that you have money troubles. I have more people ask me if I am riding the bus because of money troubles. I actually enjoy riding the bus. I am contributing to a more sustainable planet, I feel more relaxed, it has forced me to become more organized, and yes it has saved me some substantial money.

Expense: $89.50, still have not used zipcar yet, but it is coming.

I did fill up my tank and it cost me $75.00. In just gas alone I have broken even in the first week.