LexFather

Well, I'll get into more detail but I am a little excited that last week I took public transportation fully or partially to work. Its bigger than gas, I have a new job and its much further away from home. So I did some research and lo and behold, there is a bus stop right in front my building. I do have to transfer to a train but so far, it really hasn't been bad, since I get to read and catch up on my car mags while I ride the bus/Train.

Atlantas public transportation system is called MARTA (itsmarta.com). More to come soon, with a review in another thread.

Has anyone else made the move to try or use public transportation in their area?

Order66

I don't use it that often, but down here in the San Diego area we have the Coaster. It's a local commuter train along the coast.

It is very fast, clean, and quiet. More Lexus-like than the majority of public transporation out there.

Lot of people use it as the freeways are insanely congested during rush hour.

Variance

Before I got my car, I had to use a combination of the city bus and Metro-North to get to college.

Never again as long as I can help it.

Since I had to adhere to the bus and train schedules, I always had to get up and leave the house several hours before my class when it takes about a half-hour in good traffic to drive yourself. The bus wasn't too bad except it didn't go directly to the train station (which would take about 10-15 minutes). In fact, it goes the opposite direction then somewhere along the line makes a U-turn towards downtown (and the station) which coupled with all the stops it makes, takes near an hour. The bus station is not a very pleasant place to be, either.

But the train...OMG, the train....

First off, it's about $6-7 for a round trip ticket (I had classes 3 or 4 days a week). A bargin for a college student who didn't have a job at the time. Next, provided the train comes on time (or at all) you get to experience the pleasant train atmosphere of burning brakes and essence of human stink. If you're lucky, you won't freeze in the winter or roast in the late spring/summer. And for a touch of excitement, occasionally the train will lose power and you'll be stuck in one place for a good twenty minutes. Did I forget to mention the train isn't filled with the most pleasant passengers.

I will say this though: Sometimes the conductors will forget to check for your ticket, so you essentially get a free ride the next day but still.

GFerg

I use it all the time. When I worked in Manhattan over the summer I took NJ Transit train to Newark, NJ. Then switch to the PATH and get off the World Trade Center stop. Walked a block to the 4, 5 train and headed uptown to Grand Central Station. Super quick, and super cheap. Honestly, can you get any better than NYC public transportation?? I love their system. So easy and pretty damn quick too.

I also use it here in Philly during school. Its called SEPTA. No where near as good as the MTA in NYC. I actually HATE the public transportation system in Philly. I dunno, I was somewhat broguht up using NYC public transportation which is why I really dont like the SEPTA system.But, thankfully my school is right on Broad St and one of the main subway lines stops on campus. I take that to Center City and Olde City on the weekends. Going by car though still seems to be faster and more convieient in Philly as the SEPTA doesnt take me anywhere I need to go. Damn horrible system.

Gojirra99

I haven't used public transport since I was an undergraduate in college. Even then I mostly use free campus buses provided by the university.

flipside909

I miss living in the Bay Area. SoCal has nothing as efficient and as useful as my friend:

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

Up here it's nothing but crack addicts and street walkers / homeless riding the inner city busses for the most part, so no i do not even attempt it. Granted the schedule of the day changes that somewhat. During peak hours you get a rush of working society crowding the busses, however the majority wins, so my statement stands.

STIG

amen to that brother! i love bart system and i think it's rated #1 rapid transportation system in the US.

and i get free AC transit pass.

nthach

and AC Transit has those new Van Hool A300/AG300 buses, all made in Belgium. The BMW of buses.

LT. LEX

I find that I use the Metro (metro DC public trans) mostly when I go out to clubs/bars in DC. I hate to drive in DC because the roads are harsh with the 19's and parking can be hard to find and $$$$. The only downside to the Metro is that it only runs til midnight during the week and 3am on weekends. It's fairly cheap and clean and pretty reliable.

I was traveling back from Savannah this past weekend when I took the Metro from Reagan national to home and about 5 stops from my home the train had to be evacuated because some kid got hit by a train at the next stop.

babyGS3

wow... i remember the bart and MUNI. very good systems.
I would have to rate hawaii's "TheBus" also up there. but nothing beats the bart and muni.

Trexus

I commute to downtown Los Angeles five days a week. I take the Metrolink train. It's great I can read a book, magazine or newspaper. I can get some extra sleep or talk to a friend. I ride the train for one hour. I save gas, parking, wear and tear on my car. I like the feeling of not be frustrated when I get into work or when I get home. There are little tables on the train where you could do some work. It's the greatest thing since sliced bread.

Chigga

I tried TTC here, and the system is really not great.

the best I've ever been on is
aka MRT, hooks up to buses directly, you can get anywhere in the city within 30mins even with transfer on the bus.

STIG

i actually like the older buses from AC Transit. The seatslay out of new Van Hool buses are so uncomfortable and very awakward.

cal_alum98

Another plus for the SF Bay Area is CalTrain. Since I live on the Peninsula, it's really convenient for me to just park at a CalTrain station 5 minutes away and then hop onto a limited or express train into SF. 23 minutes station to station, which is less time than if I drove. My company not only has a shuttle between the train station and the office, they also provide me with $100 in Commuter Checks each month. With the monthly CalTrain pass and parking permit, the total cost out of my pocket is now $7!

Contrast that with $120/month for garage parking. Since I'd have to fill up my tank at least once a week, I figure that's another $45 x 4, bringing the total to $320 that I'm saving.