Why don't people carpool and use public transportation?

Dionysus · #1 06-04-2007, 05:53 PM

I've read several threads about high gas prices here on GC and on other boards. Money for parking lots/garages/permits are also big complaints. I'm curious why many people do not take advantage of carpooling or public transportation.

I know some people do not live in big cities, so PT is out the question. And some people live very far from friends and co-workers. But, I know several people who refuse to take the metro-link (subway-like train) downtown even though they live close to a stop. Then there's those who live by people they know, but won't carpool to work or to a baseball game or whatever.

UGAalum94 · #2 06-04-2007, 06:21 PM

You give up autonomy if you car pool. If you drive yourself and you want to stay late, no problem. But if you car pool, you've got to work it out.

And in some big cities, the PT isn't reliable unless you are willing to leave hours before you need to be at work. Otherwise, you might be really late because the published schedule and the actual schedule don't line up that much.

I think you see an interest in PT and car pooling when the commute takes a long time, HOV lanes give a real advantage, and it's really expensive to park at work. Otherwise, it's worth an increase in cost to maintain your independence.

(I'll admit I have no first hand experience with this; it's what I've observed with others.)

#3 06-04-2007, 06:36 PM

The City and County of Honolulu has one of the best bus systems in the country and for $40/month bus pass (unlimited rides), it's quite the deal, especially since I'm paying $3.40/gallon to fill up my tank every 5 days. Monthly parking at my office is $40/month, but I'm not complaining too much because my downtown colleagues spend anywhere between $100-$200/month for the ONE parking stall.

Still, because work's about 15 minutes away (no traffic), catching the bus would also mean I'd have to leave 30-45 minutes than normal to get to work in the morning and I'd also get home later. Because I tend to stay late at work in addition to meeting friends for dinner/drinks after work, riding the bus at night is not something I'd want to do.

PhoenixAzul · #4 06-04-2007, 06:55 PM

In Columbus, public transport is pretty useless unless you live directly in town or on campus. Living out in the 'burbs sucks for public transport. The buses run at horrible times.

In Pittsburgh, public transport used to be *great*. When I was in high school and had to take Port Authority to get to school, it was pretty good. But then they raised prices and cut services. And then they did it again. And then they did it again. Now it is just so inconvenient, unpleasant and expensive that people don't want to take it, they'd rather drive.

In the UK, public transport is a way of life, and people get CRANKY if things don't work right with it. Gas and cars carry heavy taxes as well, and most employers subsidize/assist with bus passes, so most people do that. I'm really excited to be moving to a town with a pretty great bus system and an underground, and trains, and travel buses (Glasgow to Edinburgh and back for 5 pound!).

I, however, prefer to bike commute. I've been fortunate to have employers that have showers/lockers and are willing to let me do that. Exercise, commute, and save some $$. I just wish people respected the bike more.

Drolefille · #5 06-04-2007, 07:01 PM

The only place I've lived with half decent public transport was St. Louis, and the metrolink there was really not useful. The stops were generally in bad neighborhoods and never actually went from those neighborhoods to places where people would work. Downtown is alright, but if you didn't need to go there, you didn't need to take the metro. They're getting a bit better, but not enough.

alum · #6 06-04-2007, 07:11 PM

In DC, the WMATA Metro system seems to be pretty reliable and safe. My D took it during rush hour times from suburbia to downtown DC when she interned starting at age 16 and we never felt cause for alarm. GEN Alum uses it for the Pentagon commute.

In addition to Metro, VRE, Maryland rail, there are HOV lanes and the resultant slugging behavior. http://www.slug-lines.com/

Dionysus · #7 06-05-2007, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drolefille

The only place I've lived with half decent public transport was St. Louis, and the metrolink there was really not useful. The stops were generally in bad neighborhoods and never actually went from those neighborhoods to places where people would work. Downtown is alright, but if you didn't need to go there, you didn't need to take the metro. They're getting a bit better, but not enough.

They recently added an additional route starting from Clayton, I think. I don't find the passengers very threatening during the day. But at night, I've seen more fights there than at the clubs. I will ride the ML at night, only if I'm with someone else, never alone.