I live 1.5km (about a mile) from my lab, specifically so that I can walk. Transit is about $50 a month for students, very crowded at peak times, and I really didn't want to lose that much time, or go through all the hassels of bundling up for outdoors, then being hot and having all my outdoor clothes with me on the train, etc. My colleagues are mindblown that I walk every day, regardless of weather (-40? I'm still out for 30 minutes each way!) and can't believe I live in a neighbourhood with fewer bars and restaurants. They see that as "no culture." I see it as intelligent, since I go out less than 5 times a week, and so it makes more sense for me to travel to "culture" than travel to work. Many of them don't get the student discount either, which means they're spending something like $80/month on transit, and a few own cars even though this is one of North America's worst places to drive!