Different Ways to Commute to Work
After you’ve been offered a new job, an explosion of questions enters your head. Do you need a new wardrobe? What will your co-workers be like? How intense will be initial training be? Perhaps the most pressing riddle is “how will I get to work?” There are plenty of options at your fingertips, and it’s best to weigh the pros and cons of each.
Driving
Advantages: When driving to work, you are in control of the commute. You can leave for work at a time that is most convenient for you, and if you have errands or an emergency, you can just get in your car and go. While you are driving, you can also take time to listen to your favorite radio station, audio book or use the quiet time to think about life. Moreover, with a car, you can go practically anywhere within a certain radius. You don’t have to worry about how close in proximity the office is from a train station.
Disadvantages: To begin with, gas prices are constantly rising and toll expenses can be a headache. Since you are driving alone, you are creating more air pollution and traffic congestion in your community. Plus, depending on your office’s location, finding parking may be time-consuming and costly. If you don’t already have a car, you also have to content with the monthly payments. Visit places like Auto Credit Express to find the perfect auto loan to fit your budget.
Carpool
Advantages: Carpooling to your job is a great way to commute if you live close to other people going to the same location. Individuals can take turns driving while sharing the commuting costs. This will reduce the amount of money that you have to spend to get to work each day. In addition to the savings, carpooling reduces congestion and helps lower air pollution by eliminating multiple cars on the road. It provides an opportunity to develop new friendships with other commuters while giving you time to relax, read or work on your way. In many cities, carpoolers are afforded additional benefits like free use of the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, reduced parking costs and carpool parking spaces.
Disadvantages: Carpooling can be difficult to organize reliably and is difficult to maintain because travel patterns change. If the driver is running late it can cause you to be late to work. Also, if you have to leave work early for an emergency, you might be stuck without a ride because your carpool driver is not leaving at the same time as you.
Taxi
Advantages: Taking a taxi to work can prove to be one of the fasted ways to commute. The cab will take you directly to work and save you from finding parking. You can sit back comfortably while the taxi driver deals with the stresses on the road. Depending on how far you live from your job, a taxi could save you money by eliminating the need to pay any car expenses
Disadvantages: If you live far from work, this choice is not for you. Taxis charge for the distance driven and the amount of time it takes to get to the destination. Therefore, even if you live close, traffic may be backed up and you might end up spending exuberantly.
Train
Advantages: Riding the train can be a relatively quick way to get to work. Employees can save money by purchasing multiple-ride tickets or monthly passes and they will not have to pay for gas. You will not have to deal with unneeded traffic congestion and you can enjoy the ride to work. Your time on the train can be spent reading a book, using your laptop or getting ready for a meeting.
Disadvantages: Unfortunately, trains run on a specific schedule. Depending on the time you are scheduled for work, the train might not be available when you need it. If you are running late and miss the train, you might end up ruining your whole day. In addition, if the train is full you, standing might be required for the entire commute. This may not be a possibility for many, especially if your place of work is in the suburbs far from any train station.
Bus
Advantages: Riding the bus will reduce your commuting costs by saving on auto expenses, gas and car maintenance. Commuters can purchase multi-trip tickets and monthly passes to save them additional money. The bus will improve the environment by lowering air pollution, while traffic congestion will be reduced in your community. You will most likely have lowered stress and peace of mind because the bus rides are a safer especially when the weather is bad.
Disadvantages: Buses can be uncomfortable and noisy. If the bus is full, you may be required to stand all the way to work or maybe wait for the next bus. Also, if the bus is late, you run the risk of not making it to work on time. Another issue with riding the bus is that it takes more time to get to your final destination because it stops frequently to let passengers on and off.
Biking
Advantages: In many congested cities, biking to work might be the most efficient. It is great for those who live within five to ten miles of their job. You are able to avoid all of the traffic jams and ride straight past all of the frustrated drivers on the road. Avoiding all of the unnecessary stops of public transportation will get you to work faster. Riding your bike to work does not cost anything, so you will have the benefit of knowing you are saving money.
Disadvantages: Severe weather conditions can affect the safety and comfort of your commute. You might be delayed if it is raining heavily when it is time to go home. This same concern might make you late for work as you wait for the severe weather conditions to clear. Plus, depending on the distance between your home and office, you may accidentally show up sweaty and disheveled.
Walking
Advantages: People who live within three miles from work might benefit from walking to work. It is free and you can improve your overall health and get in shape just by adding the extra physical activity to your daily routine. Walking benefits the community by reducing your carbon footprint, and the roads are less congested. To avoid getting your dress shoes scuffed up, opt to temporarily sport walking shoes like these to-and-from work.
Disadvantages: Although walking will save you money, it will usually increase the amount of time it takes for you to get to work. It can be inconvenient during certain weather conditions including cold weather, hot weather, rain and snow. You might also arrive to work tired from the long commute.
No matter what, there are always advantages and disadvantages when it comes to choosing your mode of transportation to work. Considering cost savings, stress levels, and location, are the first steps toward determining the right path for you.
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