7 Reasons Public Transit Is Cool

Getting around by means of public transit gets a negative rap in the U.S. But I think there are a lot of cool things about public transit that could get more people into it.

Here’s a list of 7 cool things that come to the top of my mind…

1. Riding transit saves you some serious money. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) regularly conducts studies to identify how much the average person in the U.S. or in numerous big cities saves by riding transit. The national average is almost $10,000 a year! Could you use another $10,000/year? I know I could.
2. Transit-oriented communities are safer and healthier. A recent study conducted by Todd Litman of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, Evaluating Public Transportation Health Benefits [PDF], found that people who live in such communities live longer and have fewer serious health problems. Living in a transit-oriented community lessens an individual’s risk in 5 of the 10 leading causes of reduced lifespan.
3. Riding transit is interesting. You have an opportunity to sit back and observe society riding transit. Perhaps this is not everyone’s passion, but I love it and my experience from teaching hundreds of people every week and asking them questions related to this general topic is that many people love it.
4. Riding transit saves you time. How much attention does it take to get on and off a bus or train? With modern technology, you can easily work or play while on transit, something you can’t safely do while driving. And if you are inclined to say that getting to or from transit takes a lot of time, consider that your walk or bike ride to and from a stop is exercise you need to get in your daily life.
5. Of course, riding transit is good for the environment. Transportation is one of the leading causes of global warming pollution. It is also a leading cause of air and water pollution. Taking transit cuts that pollution tremendously.
6. Transit is for lovers. You can spend time with your partner or loved ones riding transit, in a way that you can’t when driving. I’ve heard of couples meeting and getting engaged on transit for exactly this reason.
7. Trains and buses are awesome machines. People get so into cars. I guess because they are generally the biggest machines they can own, but look at the size and power of trains and buses! Cool vehicles!

More ideas? Comment below.

[Photo: Marioanima/Flickr]