Summer Transit Challenge, Week 4

Of the four weeks since I started Transit Miami's Summer Transit Challenge, I have ridden public transportation 3 of 4 weeks. The interesting thing about this is that so far, it has been the Metromover all the way. I sometimes viewed this as cheating, because I feel that I should take one of my longer trips and substitute them with the bus. However, when I really thought about it, I was still eliminating trips in my car. My longest Metromover trip (and basically the longest possible) saved me about 5 miles of driving and $7 on valet.

Here's the deal: by living where I live, in a very central location, I don't need to go very far. And because of my great location, I can utilize more public transportation, such as the Metromover (or Metrorail or bus). My husband works less than a half a mile away. In nice weather it's a great walk, in hot weather, we do a quick drop-off in the car...which only takes a minute. I have a Publix less than a mile away. My favorite library is 3 miles away in car, or I can hop on the Metromover and go to the Main Library.

All of the above are reasons why living near where you work and near services that you need are a good thing. In pledging to take the Summer Transit Challenge, I knew it would be tough. Not because there isn't transportation near me...there is. Not because I don't have the extra time to go places...I do. But because I have so few trips to begin with. And that's a great thing!

Also see: Miami Herald, Letter to the Editor, It's a Rough Ride Most Days

Comments

[Miami Transit Man]

Hey it counts. You chose to live there for a reason and the easy access to many different services I'm sure were part of the motivating forces behind doing so. I envy you and hope to be in your same location very soon, living without having to rely on a car...

Excellent contribution Rebecca, I'm very glad to see you sticking to the challenge, I too have gone all but one week using transit so far this summer...