Google for public transportation

Those who know me know that I like public transportation.  The American Public Transportation Association describes numerous benefits for individuals, companies, communities and the environment.  Public transportation allows me to:

• read more than I would ever have a chance to.
• avoid the frustration of dealing with rush hour traffic.
• save money on gas and car repairs.

One of the greatest challenges people talk to me about is understanding their local public trans system.  Where do the busses go?  How long will it take?  How do I know which train to get on?  Fear no more.  Google has developed a system to take the anxiety out of riding.  Based on the idea of Google maps, Google transit shows you exactly how to use transit to get from place to place.  It includes walking times (if necessary), and bus and rail schedules.  Check out this example in San Francisco.

Only a few months ago, Google had included a handful of cities.  There are now more than 30 cities in the US and around the globe.  As a full disclaimer, I haven't actually tried this yet since Atlanta is not yet included.  I do, however, use public transportation regularly, and I utilize Google maps and train/bus schedules to manually do what Google transit does automatically.  Have any of you used it yet?

And for you die-hard drivers: there's no need to sell your car... yet.  Try transit and see how you like it.  In fact, I still own a car because I tutor in various places throughout the city, and some students would be impossible to reach without a car.  Regardless, try riding to the store or a local restaurant.  One step at a time...

UPDATE:  For those of you in Atlanta, check out A-Train.  Entering the addresses gave me a bit of trouble, but it found a few nice options.  Thanks for the tip, Joe!

Think outside the car

Cars are great. They're reliable, safe and take you exactly where you need to go at any hour of the day. They make a statement about your personality, albeit not always a flattering one. (A friend of mine used to drive a car known affectionately as 'The Purple Dumpster.') I love my car, but it's a terrible thing. When considering car payments, gas, insurance and repairs, it's the most expensive thing I do, rivaling my rent. Unless you've been living under a rock (or in your car), you know all about the issues with green house gases. And when you consider peak oil, gas prices are only expected to rise. Is there anything you can do?! Of course there is.

• Internet. Don't go anywhere. Telecommute to work. Order stuff online. You can find anything, and many websites offer free shipping and don't charge tax (although your state might require you to pay it).
  
• Walk. Spend a couple hours one day and walk 15 minutes from your house in all directions and see what you can find. Exercise, fresh air and meeting neighbors are just a few of the potential benefits.
• Bike. Don your helmet and off you go. 'No bike' you say? Check craigslist for a cheap one.
  
• Bus. Fight the social stigma of riding the bus. You don't have to take it everywhere. Bring a book or some cell phone games.
• Carpool. Not only is the Internet good for connecting junk-dealers with junk-lovers on eBay, many cities are creating websites to quickly locate carpool buddies.
• Drive. If driving is absolutely necessary, try to combine trips.
  

No one single idea is meant to replace your car. But I encourage you to consider alternate means of getting from point A to point B. I typically walk to the grocery store, bike to Target or the park, and take the bus to school. My car, my wallet and the environment are all enjoying a well-earned rest. I'm trying to think outside my car and find new, cheaper, more enviro-friendly ways to get around.

Photo from: http://www.altenergystocks.com/

State my assumptions:

1. The environment is worthy of reparation and protection.
   
2. People, when given useful information, will take action.
   
3. Sustainable living can easily be made part of one's life.
   

Wikipedia defines sustainable living as:

a lifestyle that could, hypothetically, be sustained unmodified for many generations without exhausting any natural resources ... [often involving] transport, housing, energy, and diet.

This blog will chronicle my exploration of this important concept. I will share stories, news and ideas. It is my intention to show that with some basic knowledge, it is possible to move toward a sustainable future. I hope that you can gain inspiration from this adventure and find ideas that can be easily incorporated into your daily life. I encourage you to leave comments about each of my posts. Please check back every Wednesday and Saturday for updates, or subscribe to the news feed to get updates automatically.

Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Earth_Western_Hemisphere.jpg