Taking public transportation is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. Not only that, it can be better for your mind, your body, and your wallet too. Here’s why we love taking public transit whenever possible.

The Benefits of Taking Public Transportation

It’s Better for the Planet

Less vehicles on the road means less emissions are produced. The bus, subway, or office carpool will running anyway. By not putting another vehicle on the road you are avoiding adding those emissions. Yay!

You’ll Discover more “Me-Time”

Enjoy using your new-found time to read, listen to a motivational audiobook, catch up on your favorite show, make a phone call, or meditate.

It’s Safer

Twenty, thirty, or sixty times safer than driving in your car, depending on the mode of transportation you chose. Surprised? The media gives significantly more coverage to public transportation accidents than to the many, many, motor vehicle accidents that occur every day. Studies show individual vehicle accidents are significantly more likely to result in fatalities than accidents involving public transit vehicles.

Good for your Body

You may need to walk at least partially to get to public transportation. What a great way to sneak additional steps and some light cardio in each day.

You’ll Save Money

If you don’t have a vehicle and rely exclusively on public transportation: You can save thousands on car payments, gasoline, car insurance, registration, and other inspection fees. You’ll also save on public parking, toll roads and bridges, car repairs, and car washes.

If you have a vehicle, you can still save by supplementing your commutes with public transit. For one, your car insurance could go down. Yep! Some car insurance companies ask for and factor in the average number of miles you drive each week when providing a quote. If you cut out your daily work commute, think of how much less that is. You’ll also save on gasoline, tolls, and lessen the wear and mileage on your vehicle.

You’re Giving Back to your Community

The money you spend on public transportation is likely benefiting your community, or your community’s public transit system, rather than a large oil company.

Social Benefits

It’s great people watching, and great exposure to people outside your immediate network. We learn by seeing, doing, and absorbing more of the world around us. You’ll be able to take in more places, faces, and new ways of life. You could discover a new spot that opened up and you may just make a new friend : )

Sources:

http://www.nctr.usf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/JPT17.4_Litman.pdf
http://www.apta.com/mediacenter/ptbenefits/Pages/default.aspx

http://newsroom.heart.org/news/taking-public-transportation-instead-of-driving-linked-with-better-health?preview=cdf1