Do you have to drive to work?

Question

Some cities have good alternative commute options. What about yours? Do you drive despite a good public transportation system, bike routes and housing options (ability to live closer to work)? Would you rather drive than telecommute 1-2 days a week? What about carpools - is that an option?

If you have one or more of those options available but are still driving to work, my question is- why?

Also - I'm assuming that with "good" alternatives - "saving time" won't be as big a factor, but maybe it is?

Answer 1

The nearest bus route would leave me about 1.5 miles from work.  I could, however, take my bike and ride from there.  With the longer hours of the summer season upon us, I should revisit this.  

I had a coworker last year who lived just down the street.  I suggested carpooling once or twice but she didn't seem interested.  I think I gave her a ride a few times when her car wasn't running.  It's too bad, the company would have been nice!

Answer 2

I drive because I live about 23 miles from the town I work in, Athens, GA.  There is NO transit  except for right in the Athens/Clarke county area.



I live 60 miles from Atlanta Georgia.  Their transit is a JOKE!  I lived their most of my life.   NEVER WAS IT CONVENIENT FOR ME TO USE "MARTA" TO AND FROM WORK.  It's no where near the major highways.  It only goes about 10-15 out of the city limits.  I lived 25 miles out of the city limits.  By the time I sat in traffic to get to one of the train stations, parked rode the train, walked several blocks to the office....I'd have saved no time...in fact it probably would have taken me 1 1/2 to 2 hours to get to work when driving it took me 45 minutes to an hour.

Yes, I would take the bus to work if it came near my home.  I work in the "downtown" area of Athens so I can walk to lunch and a few shops here.

However, when I had children in daycare and worked full-time I would have still driven.  If my child was injured or became ill it would be VERY hard to get to them quickly enough.   Now, I do still have one child in Elementary school BUT my husband works 3 miles from our home and his school so me taking a bus would not be that much of an issue.

Answer 3

We have poor transportation here and you might be able to get to work but after 7 pm nothing runs. So have to drive.

Answer 4

Depends really where you are.

Right now I live in Charlottte, NC and moving to Nashville. Charlotte the transportation is horrible at best. The routes go out like a wagon's wheel. None intersect and getting to work that takes me 20 mins to drive takes literally and hour and a half by bus. And I hear Nashville isnt any better! But we'll see.

I used to live in Detroit before here and my god the transportation was like in heaven. Everywhere only took 15 mins! Charlotte and Nashville are still growing and we both know that Public transportation has nowhere to go but up and therefore better!

Answer 5

I'm a cross country trucker.  Yes, I drive to work.  No, there aren't any alternatives offered by "public transportation".

Answer 6

I have to drive and I have to fly.

I work in the food industry in a product development lab.

I would love to tele-commute on some days when I don't have lab work to do, but other times I have to be in the lab.

Many times I have to fly to our production facilities to test the products i have designed...

Matter of fact...I leave tomorrow to do just that.

Answer 7

Nope, no other options.

Answer 8

I drive to work.

San Diego does have the trolley and buses. The trolley station is 3 miles from my house and 1.5 from my office.I have had a car stolen from the trolley station so I will not use it any more.

I carpool Monday and Friday and ride a motorcycle Tues - Thurs.

14 miles each way

Answer 9

I ride a bike to work. It takes zero gas.

I gave up my gas lawnmower too. I now use an electric.