There have been many good reasons already given for taking public transportation. I agree with almost all of them, with the exception perhaps of using it to meet pretty girls. Having recently entered the age bracket known as "Senior Citizen," I find that public transportation has many benefits to offer this group in particular.

1. Most forms of public transport offer discounted prices to seniors. In our town, the local bus actually allows seniors over 70 to travel free anywhere the buses go. (What a bargain.)

2. $3 a gallon for gas is pretty hard to come by for those of us who are trying to get by on fixed incomes. Even if you don't get free bus rides, ask if your local bus district has discount passes for seniors.

3. Riding the bus whenever possible cuts down maintenance on your automobile. If you've had to replace a starter button, or even buy a new tire recently, you'll know what I'm talking about. Those prices seem to double every few months.

4. Some insurance companies put you in a lower bracket if your mileage for the year is low. Cutting out extra trips can keep that mileage low.

5. Amtrak has a deal where seniors can take another person along for half price. You can't beat a deal like that. At times, they have even let the second person travel for free. Check your local Amtrak office to see what discounts are currently available.

6. When traveling, we often find parking our automobile costs more than the attraction we have come to see. My husband and I have learned to park the car at our motel and use a taxi or a bus to get to where we want to go from there.

7. Others have already mentioned the health benefits of walking. This is even more important for seniors, who seldom get enough exercise. Consider daily walking as vital as taking the medicine prescribed by your doctor. Giving up all those little trips to the store by car can help you stick to your resolve.

Learn more about this author, Jeanne Gibson.
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