If you're like me you are sick and tired of spending your hard earned money on gas.
My husband has the misfortune of spending about an hour a day in heavy highway traffic in order to get to work. Couple that with the gas guzzling SUV and we had about $500 a month in gas expenses for his commute. That's just his car, people. Seriously, can you believe it?
So, we had to find something that worked for us. Atlanta is one of those crazy spread out cities and our public transportation is kind of a joke. At least, that's what we always thought. And, taking the train to work every day was certainly no where on our radar screen.
But, when we sold the Xterra and were faced with the prospect of either buying a gas saving car we didn't love or a gas guzzling car we did, we decided to abstain from buying anything new. And, we did something we never would have imagined in our future.
We became a one car family and started taking public transportation. And, amazingly, we liked it. Every morning I get up and take Thomas to the bus station. He rides the bus to the main train line and hops on. He takes it right downtown and then walks about a mile to work. And, it actually takes him less time to do that than it did to drive it in traffic.
I know it isn't for everyone and I always thought it wouldn't work for us, but it has changed our lives in a few great ways:
1. I am forced to get my behind out of bed and take Tal to the bus station which has the added benefit of getting my day started much earlier. This makes me a much more productive mom.
2. We avoided another 60 month loan and saved $$ on car insurance with just one car.
3. Thomas is walking 2 miles a day and getting in better shape.
4. We're a little greener now.
5. We're saving about $500 a month in gas in return for a $52 bus/train pass that lasts the whole month.
I'd say all in all it has been a great arrangement. And, while it may not work for everyone, you might be surprised to find out it works for you.
That's what is working for me this week. For more WFMW, head over to Shannon's Dryer and check out the great tips!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
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18 comments:
Great tip!
So, I have to know. Do you sing while you're taking him?
(My baby takes the morning train, he works from 9 'til 5 and then . . . )
(Sorry - couldn't resist!)
I just discovered your blog thru rocks in my dryer. What a BEAUTIFUL family you have.
I really love stories like this. Thanks for sharing what works for your family, it's so neat that you actually enjoy it.
That's great! I do think it's a good idea if it can possibly work out for a family.
Wow! Good for you! I wish we could do something like that, but our town doesn't have public transportation. Does your hubby still plan on walking once summer arrives?
That is awesome! At my house, it pains us terribly that there is zero public transportation. My husband thinks it would be great to just sit back and let someone else worry about the traffic.
I am totally envious and applaud your decision! That rocks!
Makes me wish for public transportation... At least we don't currently have to commute.
You are saving a whole lot of moola!
I'm so jealous of urban dwellers who can walk everywhere. ;) Back when I owned my own business, I loved business trips to Chicago. I walked everywhere & loved it.
We live where there is zero public transportation. But we live close to a semi-major city, I should try to use it when I venture there.
I love your blog!
Abby
I think this is one of the best WFMW posts of all time. What a great thing. We also only have one car (a big change for us, but now we love it- it really simplifies our life), but my husband works very close to home so he walks. I really feel for families who have no choice. But you have shown that maybe we have more choices than we think. awesome.
That's awesome. Thanks for sharing your great idea.
oh, awesome. I have been on craigslist lately, trying to find a commuter from Athens area to GA Tech so Chad can rideshare. We are all about saving gas $ and saving the world, and we are totally a one car family now. Kudos!
Good job! My husband used to take the bus to work everyday, but then we moved. The city we live in now has a pretty pitiful transportation system. It doesn't come anywhere near our house or his work!
Aha - gotta love Atlanta and it's concept of being so spread out! My hubby started taking GA Express to work since we are too far from a station - and he loves it - he just gets to sit back and relax while someone else has to drive the traffic!
Great advice!
Awesome!
good job! Taking the bus is daunting!
Awesome tips!
I work at home and my husband drives for work, so this wouldn't work for us even if we had a good public system like you.
I LOVED the subway when I was in D.C., though! I thought it was awesome...I would totally use it if we lived there!
It sounds like it's really working for you all, too. I love taking the bus, I get so much reading done. I literally got my master's degree doing all my homework to and from work!
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