5 of 23

Write now Article Tools

"I end up acquiring a more balanced view of how regular folks actually think and behave, than how they're usually depicted in the profit-driven media" - that's the first among benefits I get from taking public transportation. I see and meet real, authentic people, who may have the same concerns as mine, when I commute. Whenever I'm in a bus, or the train, or even at times the taxi that I share with other passengers (that the driver picks up along the way), I get assurances that most folks mean well to me (i.e. don't mean to harm me intentionally), despite a few terrible, harsh experiences I've had with some bad people before.

People generally behave (politely, respectfully), as much as they can help themselves, whenever they take public transportation. That's how all of us were taught by and large by our parents, our elders, or the generations before: we need to conduct our best selves when in public. As such, it's a great opportunity seeing able bodied men giving up seats for the elderly, disabled, pregnant women (I even see women give up seats to others). I see people move a bit on their seats just to share space to those needing seats. I see people smiling, talking with each other. I feel more warmth among people when in a bus or the train. I see people behaving genuinely pleasant toward co-passengers, and I realize it takes a lot of guts to do these especially during these difficult times.

Second major advantage: I always get the opportunity to save money - more pennies actually these days - when I do public commute. This is particularly true when you live in a city, like New York, where subways and buses are in place. I've done the math: it's far cheaper to take the subway and the bus (plus the ferry, if you live in Staten Island like me) than to keep a car and drive yourself to your usual destination. You save on the parking fees, the toll fees, the insurance cost, the repair and maintenance costs, the perceived costs of aggravation from motorists on the road, the fuel, among other costs. You don't bother about all these costs when you take public transportation (as you just pay the fare).

Third advantage: I just carry myself and my tiny baggage, which is a relatively huge load by itself. As such, I occupy the least space, which is actually wherever I happened to be standing (or seating), which is very economical, and lighter to carry when I take public transportation. If ever there would be untoward incidents while in transit, I'd always be assured that

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Personal advantages of taking public transportation ?
We want to hear your view. Write now!