Take Action Daily - The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round

Have you ever actually calculated just how much you shell out for gas each month? Or do you simply close you eyes and fork over the cash every couple days or so? Either way, if you drive every day, you know you spend a lot of dough just to keep going.
Before prices catapulted, I calculated that I was spending roughly $160/month on gas (and that doesn't include insurance, maintenance, rising prices, or repairs). Sure that doesn't seem like a lot, but I didn't drive very much either. Being an ex-avid cyclist and a newbie at driving (yes I have the "N"), my long forgotten conscience soon started creeping back (that pesky thing!). So I have now retired my vehicle to the garage and have re-familiarized myself with the wonders of public transportation. True, it's certainly far from peachy, but it's not so bad. I actually enjoy the time it gives me to relax, read, and hang out with my daughter, rather than stress and yell at everything because I left at the last minute in my vehicle and then there's construction (and there is always construction). The Vancouver Transit system is pretty good, although it could always be better. It is the elusive catch 22 that the system doesn't improve because not enough people use, and more people don't use it because it is not convenient enough. So there lays the conundrum.
Driving is expensive on our wallets and the environment and transit can be inconvenient.
What's a person-who-wants-to-do-their-part-but-just-doesn't-have-the-darn-time, to do?
Never fear, solutions, are always near.
It's not rocket science, and I'm sure you've probably figured it out yourself, but here it is for those who haven't...(drum roll please)
Try Taking The Bus!!!!!
Ok, ok, keep your excuses, I'm only talking about a commitment to a couple trips of week here, no big deal. An adult can purchase a pack of 10 tickets for a mere $18 for 1 zone, $27 for 2 zone, or $36 for 3 zone. These tickets do not expire at the end of the month and what's even better is that whenever you purchase a bus ticket (or monthly pass), the government gives you a tax credit at the end of the year. I'm sure you don't get anything back for driving your car except bills. Take the money that you would spend on one week on gas, get yourself a faresaver book, and decide on one or two days a week that you will take the bus instead (and remember to bring a book). Your first few trips may be stressful as you step timidly into the unknown, but be brave young grasshopper, once you find a routine, you may come to enjoy or even cherish the time you have to relax, read, whatever. By substituting some of your car trips, you help the transit system to become more efficient, possibly save a couple bucks, and definitely, give Mother Nature a break. All that in one day. Give yourself a pat on the back!
I've provided a link to help you plan your route, including bus numbers and names, where they stop and when, and where to link to your next bus should you need one.

www.translink.bc.ca/

Below is a link that may be of interest:

www.vancouver-ecodensity.ca/