The Good, Bad, and the Ugly on Commuting to Work

When it comes to going to work people generally have two choices: public or private. 

There are benefits to both means of traveling.

Most of my work life I lived in California where cars and trucks are worshipped like metal deities. 

The idea of taking a bus or train to work every day was repugnant to me. I wanted my space and that's all there was to it. The idea of interacting with strangers daily wasn't my idea of having a good commute.

I suspect an environmentalist would look down on my selfish choice and condemn me as a wicked capitalist who didn't care about the planet. Not true. I'm very concerned about pollution on this planet... I just express my concerns in other areas.

The Benefits of Driving vs Public Transit

1. A flexible personalized schedule catering to individual preferences.

2. Privacy and personal space.

3. Door-to-door service eliminating the need for additional modes of transportation for the daily commute. Less commute time means less stress.

4. Carrying personal belongings that you can't have on public transportation.

The Cons of Driving to Work in your Own Car

1. Traffic congestion. A long commute spent during rush hour (when most people are on the road) can lead to stress, anxiety, and sometimes road rage.

2. Environmental impact. Single-occupancy vehicles contribute to environmental pollution, adding to carbon emissions and traffic-related environmental issues.

3. Cost savings by avoiding fuel, parking, and maintenance expenses, and potential tolls.

4. Limited productivity. The time workers spend driving is often considered unproductive, with individuals unable to engage in work-related tasks during the commute.

If you want more detailed information on commuter benefits, I recommend Googling Edenred's Commuter Benefits website. It offers a superior alternative for your daily commute, combining the connivence of personal transportation with the cost savings and sustainability of public transportation.

In general Americans tend to avoid most forms of public transportation with the exception of some major cities. 

In my humble opinion it's because we are too independent and are addicted to our personal vehicles. In most of the major industrialized nations public transportation plays a much larger part than personal vehicles do.

The few times in my life that I took public transportation (a bus) were memorable - and not in a good way. 

A Closing Anecdote

One time while traveling on a Greyhound bus to Washington state a passenger freaked out and started attacking other passengers with his guitar! Along with a couple of other guys we were finally able to subdue the dude who had to be high on something (medium build but strong as an ox). 

The bus driver pulled the bus over by a phone booth (yes, back then there were public phones available on some highways). He calmly got out and called the cops and lite up a cigarette. I joined him while the police were taking the guy away and vowed never to take public transportation again. Thus far I've kept my oath. 

As it Stands, one of the benefits of retiring is not having to commute to work every day. Maybe that's what pundits mean by golden years. It's a matter of perspective.