Day Two - public transportation
If you are familiar with Austin, you know that public transportation isn’t great. We have a rail, that runs only during business hours, and only once an hour. We have a bus system, but stops aren’t as convenient as you’d like. But, I am going to try to make it work.
We live about 1.3 miles from the closest MetroRail stop and about .75 miles from the closest MetroRapid stop. With a bike, this is not an unreasonable distance, but not the best for walking.
On my second day without a car, I had scheduled a happy hour with a friend. I needed a convenient location near public transportation or close enough to my work that I could ride my bike. The Domain would have been easiest for me, but not so convenient for my friend traveling from downtown office. So I suggested Black Star Co-op. It is located at the Crestview stop of the MetroRail and across the street from a MetroRapid Stop.
I rode my bike to work that day, which was a nice 13 minute morning workout. Afterwork, I rode my bike the 3 blocks over to the train station and headed to Black Star. We sat outside enjoying one of the best times of year in Austin, SPRING! It is the perfect temperature and perfect for patio drinking.
After drinks, I took the MetroRapid north. I rode my bike from the bus stop to my house. I almost got hit by a car, who decided to run a red light while I was crossing in the crosswalk. Luckily nothing happened. Made it home by 9:00pm.
Cost of metro pass: $7.50
Gallon’s of gas saved: .55
Money saved: $1.40 in insurance; $2.77 in gas
Green house gas emissions saved: 10.75 llb
I am currently signed up for a commuter challenge through My Commute Solutions. This keeps track of all of this information for me. This lovely photo was sent to me by a coworker to share with everyone on the blog :)
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