Why do they keep saying to use mass transit when it's inefficient?

Question

I live 10 miles from my job. My car gets a little over 20 MPG so it costs me a gallon of gas to get to and from work each day. I can get there in about 20 minutes with traffic. So: driving = 40 minutes and $4 in gas costs. (Total daily costs)

Taking the bus would cost $3 in fares, require 2 transfers, and take about 90 minutes each way according to the city website. So: bus = 180 minutes and $3 in fares. (total daily costs)

It just isn't worth it to me to save $1/day but waste 140 EXTRA minutes in travel time each day. I live right on major roads so it's not like I live far from bus stops. I can get to work by using two major roads only----one east and one south. Mass transit is a nice idea in theory but it's not really saving me any money and would cost me over 11 additional hours of commuting time per week.

Are there any places where this actually works??

Answer 1

I agree with you.. but just like it says MASS TRANSIT, if mass amount of people used it then it would be effective.

I'm pretty sure it works in Japan.Being a small country with a mass amount of people .then again they sure have alot of bicycles on the road. You might try one of thier ideas and carpool. That only works if you know somebody that works by you and has the same hours also.

Answer 2

over two hours for 10 miles

get a bike man your talking like maybe 30 minutes

it's better for you and will save time

but yea it works for like driving  to the outer limits of the ciy and then taking a train or subway  or bus to get into  and around town

your distance is so small it just doesnt make much sense i mean how are you geting two transfers in 10 miles there has to be a better system then what your currentley using

but 10 miles  unless the weather was really bad i would just bike that

goodluck

Answer 3

Yeah, it really depends where you live.   In big cities it's excellent, but in small towns mass transit tends to be hit or miss.  If you're lucky, there is a route going directly where you need to go.  I guess the idea is that if more people start using mass transit, then they will improve the service.  

btw, you're only considering the cost of gas and neglecting depreciation on your car and maintenance.  The total cost of driving a sedan, according to AAA, is around 50 cents a mile.  Gas is a very small part of this.

Answer 4

One time,back in the new york area, they had the volume, and the capacity to move masses of people. The trolley car system! The locals made all stops, and the express went direct. You did not wait over 5 to 15 minutes for the next one. I could get on for a nickle, or 15 cents and ride a good distance, all the way to the Coney Island barn, where the trolley's all met, and re-routed. 3 companies that dealt with trucks, and busses, decided to conspire, and do away with this great competition. Firestone made rubber tires, General motors made busses, and general electric was the third corporation conspirator.