My family and friends think I prefer public transportation because I can be frugal. And that is a reason … but it is not the only reason, or even the primary reason… Here are a few reasons to consider public transportation on your next trip!
Local Experience. No matter how hard you try, you will never live exactly like a local when traveling. However, public transportation lets you get one step closer. In my “real life” I take public transportation every day. And even though I have lived here for almost a decade, I never get tired of seeing an eclectic group of people all in one space. You have commuters that span from businessmen to construction workers, you have mothers with their small children, teenagers being teenagers and yes, even tourists. And while people are the same everywhere, you can get great insight into the culture of a location on its public transportation. The trains in Japan, Washington DC and Paris are all very different experiences!
Cost. It is usually more affordable than any other option. However, not only is it almost always cheaper, but you also know what the cost is going to be ahead of time.
Time. Public Transportation within a city (this is not true between cities) is almost always faster. You don’t have to worry about traffic. Additionally, you don’t spend time waiting for your ride share or taxi.
Sit back and relax. I find traffic stressful and I get car sick. On a bus or train I can sit back and relax with a book. Or if standing room only, I can chill with a podcast or music.
It’s not always perfect, but I urge you to consider public transportation on your next trip!
Life Kinetic Travel Research 