Hi everyone! I’ve been reading the blog posts about the commuting cost and environmental impact of driving. I’m thinking of making changes in how I’m commuting to work. Please help me decide :) What would you do in my situation?
Work is 40 miles each way. Due to flexible hours, I’ve been coming to work in off peak hours. It takes me 1 hour each way (drive, park, walk to office)x. Gas cost is about $185/month at $3.50/gallon.
Another option is to take the train to work. There are 2 train stations around me. One is 1 mile away (limited schedule).Train ticket would cost about $300/month. If I use this station, I can just walk. Another station is 6.5 miles away but due to high traffic road, it takes me about 20-25 mins to drive there. Train ticket is $230/month. I could also bike to the train station but biking would probably take 30-35 mins, and it would add more time to work related task. I already work out regularly so I don’t think of biking as additional way for me to exercise. But I can be convinced otherwise.
In short, here are my options
1. Continue to drive to work. 40 miles each way. Total commute time around 1 hour 5 mins each way. $185/month in gas
2. Take the train near my house. 1 mile walk to train station. Limited schedule, so if there is a delay, it might suck. Eliminate the use of car. Total commute time would be around 1 hour and 45 mins each way but I can do personal stuff during the train ride. $300/month train ticket
3. Take the train 6.5 miles away. Either drive 20-25 mins to train station or bike 35 mins to train station. Total commute time around 1 hour and 20-30 mins each way depends if I drive or bike to train station. $230/month train ticket. If I drive, I have to count the gas to get to the station too.
I appreciate any thoughts! :)