View Poll Results: How could you get to work other than riding?
Train



16
7.66%
Subway/Light Rail



50
23.92%
Bus



112
53.59%
Carpool



39
18.66%
Own Car



148
70.81%
Walk



57
27.27%
Work from Home/Telecommute



33
15.79%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 209. You may not vote on this poll
What are your options for getting to work?
#53
We have 3 (almost 4 drivers) and 2 cars in my family. If I can't ride, someone usually drops me off at work via car. I don't usually take the car myself. It just sits there in the parking lot all day doing no good.
Edit: When I lived in Japan, several of my neighbors worked for General Motors. GM paid for their cars and gas, but wouldn't pay for the bus/train. I worked near them, but worked for IBM instead. IBM paid for the bus/train. It took me about the same time to get to work as them if we left at normal times. We each chose the subsidized method. IBM -> bus/train. GM -> car. In their defense, they were test driving new models of cars, so there was some rationale to their choosing the more expensive and hassle filled commuting method.
Edit: When I lived in Japan, several of my neighbors worked for General Motors. GM paid for their cars and gas, but wouldn't pay for the bus/train. I worked near them, but worked for IBM instead. IBM paid for the bus/train. It took me about the same time to get to work as them if we left at normal times. We each chose the subsidized method. IBM -> bus/train. GM -> car. In their defense, they were test driving new models of cars, so there was some rationale to their choosing the more expensive and hassle filled commuting method.
Last edited by squeakywheel; 12-10-06 at 06:54 PM.
#54
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,262
Likes: 92
From: SW Ohio
Bikes: Classic lugged-steel road, touring, gravel
For the past couple of months I have been working what is called a "slide shift" (where do they get these stupid names?): 9:30am-6:00pm. The bus gets me there at 9:32 to 9:35 which is cutting it really too close. I would be late everyday if my company didn't have a five minute grace period. I usually bike to work unless it's under 20 degrees F outside.
#55
Fossil
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 350
Likes: 1
From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Izip E3 Path Plus Step Thru , Raleigh Misceo
Our bus service in Raleigh (CAT) has mounted bike carriers on the fronts of their buses. I haven't tried it yet, but I see bikes on these carriers frequently. They appear to hold 2 bikes although I rarely see more than one at a time. The bus fare is $.75 with free transfers and no extra charge for the bike. It's going up to $1.00 next year, but it will still be a bargain. My 7 mile commute into the government complex downtown takes about 35 minutes by bus or bike. The bike route is more convoluted in order to avoid traffic and it's a lot more enjoyable unless the weather is really bad.
#56
Commuter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,568
Likes: 0
From: Southern Maine
Bikes: 2006 Giant Cypress EX (7-speed internal hub)
Telecommuting is tolerated by management on occasion, but I wouldn't want to push it more than once a week or so. The bus system in Portland Maine consists of a half-dozen routes in a star pattern with downtown Portland at the hub, so to get from 'burb to 'burb as I do, I'd have to take one bus downtown and another back out, turning a 10-minute car trip and 20-minute bike trip into a 45-minute bus trip. Needless to say, never done that.
I don't know if I should have checked "Own car"; technically, that's not an option for me anymore since I got rid of my car last year. But I could buy one again if I had to, I guess, and there is still the "Wife's car" option.
I don't know if I should have checked "Own car"; technically, that's not an option for me anymore since I got rid of my car last year. But I could buy one again if I had to, I guess, and there is still the "Wife's car" option.
#57
Raving looney
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON, Canada
Bikes: 70s Leader Precision w/Shimano 600 (road), IRO Rob Roy (Fixed)
I can't walk, it's too far unless I have a spare couple hours. I've no access to a car. Though I can sometimes telecommute, I don't like to work from home unless absolutely necessary. Other options are all public transit, subway/GO Train/bus/tram.
#58
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,277
Likes: 3
Bike: fun. Takes a while to travel 28 miles each way.
Mass transit: bus and light rail. Very very easy. Catch the bus 1000 feet from my house and arrive at work a little over an hr later.
Telecommute: boring. No socializing and working with a 3 year old is not easy. I reserve this option for a sick kid or bad weather.
Car: I would rather visit the dentist.
Mass transit: bus and light rail. Very very easy. Catch the bus 1000 feet from my house and arrive at work a little over an hr later.
Telecommute: boring. No socializing and working with a 3 year old is not easy. I reserve this option for a sick kid or bad weather.
Car: I would rather visit the dentist.
#59
Life is good


Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 18,208
Likes: 14
From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
My only sensible option is driving. 
Taking the bus or train would require at least two changes making my bus or train commute 2 to 2.5 hours. I can drive in 30-40 minutes and ride in 40-50 minutes.

Taking the bus or train would require at least two changes making my bus or train commute 2 to 2.5 hours. I can drive in 30-40 minutes and ride in 40-50 minutes.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#60
Plays in traffic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,971
Likes: 15
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Originally Posted by chephy
Interesting. Why was there such a strong bus/bike link in your mind? 

You know how we joke about being asked by cagers for directions, then replying with, "You cut through that plaza, turn left through the parking lot, then go down to the MUP and..."? Well, I used to give directions by bus route. I have a history of confusing lost cagers.
#61
Plays in traffic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,971
Likes: 15
From: Rochester, NY
Bikes: 1996 Litespeed Classic, 2006 Trek Portland, 2013 Ribble Winter/Audax, 2016 Giant Talon 4
Originally Posted by chephy
Pff, I wouldn't think twice about doing 15 miles, and I'm not even such an enthusiast! Sure I teach cycling courses and spend several hours on cycling websites every day and my Christmas list has nothing but cycling accessories on it and my idea of dressing up is donning on my expensive Cannondale jersey and... ahem, never mind... I didn't realize the addition has gone this far. 

#62
Originally Posted by tsl
There is help. See: How to give up cycling
Right-click -> "Bookmark This Page..."
#63
I take the car once a week to give my legs a break. but I could take the bus and they are building light rail now but that won't be done until next year.
__________________
"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
"Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world". ~Grant Petersen
Cyclists fare best when they recognize that there are times when acting vehicularly is not the best practice, and are flexible enough to do what is necessary as the situation warrants.--Me
#64
I can drive, but have only done so recently due to a really bad deal with the flu. I normally take the light-rail when I don't ride but I didn't even have the energy to walk/ride in the cold the 3-5 blocks on each end. Light rail is my prefered way to get to work because I can work or read. After that, I choose the bike. Then my Vespa. My car is a distant 4th place. I could take the bus, but there's no reason to when the lightrail works so much better.
__________________
#65
Prefers Cicero

Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 12,860
Likes: 146
From: Toronto
Bikes: 1984 Trek 520; 2007 Bike Friday NWT; misc others
Originally Posted by CommuterRun
The company he works for subsidizes employee's mass transit expenses. Because they do, driving to work is grounds for dismissal.
#68
Thread Starter
Solo Rider, always DFL
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,004
Likes: 0
From: Beacon, NY
Bikes: Cannondale T800, Schwinn Voyageur
recursive:
I'm not sure whether that's possible... I guess I didn't consider the idea that there could be no other alternative for folks. Sorry for the oversight.
I'm not sure whether that's possible... I guess I didn't consider the idea that there could be no other alternative for folks. Sorry for the oversight.
#69
Dirty old man in training
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: Cary NC
Bikes: 2007 Novara Randonee, 1991 Raleigh Olympian, 1988 Nishiki Ariel
Driving: 8 miles one way, driving time 15-20 minutes (99 Corolla with 118k miles and still gets 30mpg)
Bus: 25-30 minutes one way (including riding the bus and walking to/from bus stops)
Bike: 10.7 miles riding the safest route, takes 50 minutes at my current pace (91 Raleigh + 40 year old engine)
TTA buses have bike racks and conveniently there are bus stops 1/4 mile from my house and office. I currently bus to work and bike ride home 2 days per week. I hope to increase that to 4 days per week in 2007.
Bus: 25-30 minutes one way (including riding the bus and walking to/from bus stops)
Bike: 10.7 miles riding the safest route, takes 50 minutes at my current pace (91 Raleigh + 40 year old engine)
TTA buses have bike racks and conveniently there are bus stops 1/4 mile from my house and office. I currently bus to work and bike ride home 2 days per week. I hope to increase that to 4 days per week in 2007.
#70
Originally Posted by Chuck G
Bus: 25-30 minutes one way (including riding the bus and walking to/from bus stops)
TTA buses have bike racks and conveniently there are bus stops 1/4 mile from my house and office. I currently bus to work and bike ride home 2 days per week. I hope to increase that to 4 days per week in 2007.
TTA buses have bike racks and conveniently there are bus stops 1/4 mile from my house and office. I currently bus to work and bike ride home 2 days per week. I hope to increase that to 4 days per week in 2007.
I've always assumed mine would be 1.5 hours. I just checked and it looks like it's right at an hour. Connector to main to office. I thought I'd have to transfer at Moore. I need to check it out some morning and figure out if the connector has a bike rack. They didn't use to, but that was a long time ago. I'm 1.5 miles from the stop so walking would be a pain.
#71
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
green line
You must be talking about the B branch of the green line. Yes, I tend to ride for a few weeks, then switch to the T, thinking it might be nice to sit and read on my commute, but after a few days the frustration builds and I end up back on the bike. Usually I start riding the T in January after a big storm, but by February I'm back on the bike, blizzard or not, due to frustration with the B train.
Originally Posted by newbojeff
I can take the T, which I did for the first time in about 6 months because of this disaster. It didn't take me long to want to get my bike up and running again after the slow down because of a new farecard system, one of the doors on the train failing to close, being packed in like sardines, having to change trains because the one I was on was being "expressed" beyond my stop, and a 10 minute wait between stations for God knows what.
It's usually not that bad and a not bad worse option than riding.
It's usually not that bad and a not bad worse option than riding.
#72
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
which college has the bike room?
Where is this bike room of which you speak?
Originally Posted by buzzman
...The college has a gorgeous brand new "bike room" available with my own marked bicycle parking space for $5/year and it sits right under the building I teach in and where my office is....
#73
Dirty old man in training
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 455
Likes: 0
From: Cary NC
Bikes: 2007 Novara Randonee, 1991 Raleigh Olympian, 1988 Nishiki Ariel
JeffS, yes you are correct I have a short TTA commute. There is a TTA stop 1/4 mile from my house and a TTA stop 1/4 mile from my office. TTA route 310 goes directly between these 2 stops (Cary Parkway, High House, Davis Dr).
I moved to Cary from Garner last year and bought a house near the Cary Parkway. I really got lucky. I did not plan to buy a house near a TTA stop but I could not have planned it any better if I had tried. I don't think TTA is convenient for most people around here.
The TTA web site says all of their buses except the airport shuttles now have bike racks. The racks I have seen only hold 2 bikes. https://www.ridetta.org
I moved to Cary from Garner last year and bought a house near the Cary Parkway. I really got lucky. I did not plan to buy a house near a TTA stop but I could not have planned it any better if I had tried. I don't think TTA is convenient for most people around here.
The TTA web site says all of their buses except the airport shuttles now have bike racks. The racks I have seen only hold 2 bikes. https://www.ridetta.org
#74
I can either take the T, walk (slightly long), or bike (10 min), and I bike 99% of the time unless I'm going to the bus station or something.
Yeah, I agree that the green line can be pretty dismal at times. Especially the B line. Fortunately I live on the C line, and when going to school/work I just walk 10 min from Hynes convention center instead of going all the way to Arlington and transferring. I've only done that twice this year though. The implementation of the Charlie card is pretty terrible as well. It sucks, because the system has so much potential to be better.
Originally Posted by mazugrin
You must be talking about the B branch of the green line. Yes, I tend to ride for a few weeks, then switch to the T, thinking it might be nice to sit and read on my commute, but after a few days the frustration builds and I end up back on the bike. Usually I start riding the T in January after a big storm, but by February I'm back on the bike, blizzard or not, due to frustration with the B train.



