Catching the Mass Transportation Bug...

I like to think of it as an extension of my brief NYC experience...

I've been making a bigger effort to take the Bus to and from work. Before it was my backup if my car was in the shop - but there really isn't a good reason for me *not* to take the bus to work as often as I can.


My excuses used to be:

- The Commuter Express only travels during rush hours, making the last morning bus leave at 8am and the last return bus picking up at 6:40pm. Usually that's too early to make because I walk barklee and like hitting Snooze on my alarm - and I used to have frequent late evening meetings that ended past 7pm.
- It'd be a pain to lug my laptop, gym bag, lunch bag and other miscellaneous gear to work.

But lately the benefits have been shouting louder:

- With gas prices, i calculated that taking the bus was actually cheaper than driving my own car (plus I avoid wear and tear on my car)
- The bus stop is literally across the street and a block over from my house
- The bus drops me off about a block away from my office building
- I wouldn't need to worry about traffic anymore - and the length of time to get to work and back is only about 5 minutes longer than if i drove myself.
- I get extra exercise to walk to or from a bus stop
- I can check the news, email and facebook from my phone during the ride
- I'm actually forced to get to work early - therefore never late!
- I'm actually forced to leave work on time to catch the last bus of the day and not have the "finish just one more email" syndrome



So... we'll see how often i can keep this up. There's still the fear that once i get to work, i'll realize i had a dire need to have my car with me (Do i have a dentist appointment at lunch? Did i leave my key card in the car?) but if i go on the bus enough, I'm guessing that will pass.

This is definitely not the same as crowding into a packed Subway on 49th Street in New York, but there is definitely something neat about becoming a "regular" and having Bus Drivers recognize you or overhearing stories about a random passenger's bizarre day at work.

Well I better get ready for bed. Got a bus to catch tomorrow morning! :)