As we adjust to being back in the office on a hybrid structure, I’m learning new things everyday about taking public transit to work. Being prepared is the key to having a commute without hiccups, and we’ve put together a list of the things that have changed my bus ride for the better.
At The Rideshare Company, we are big fans of every type of commute. Do you ever wonder what your commute reveals about you?
Bikesharing saw a big reduction in usage when COVID-19 began in March 2020, with many systems suspending operations, and some companies even closing permanently. While things were not looking up for bikeshare ridership, suddenly the tides began to change.
Members of the American workforce who relied on buses, trains, subway, carpooling, and vanpooling were left in a difficult spot—How do I get to work as safely as possible? People were beginning to turn away from public transit in fear of spreading germs, and companies halted their rideshare systems to keep their staff healthy and safe.
Public Transit Ridership Losses
Source: APTA Ridership Trends Dashboard powered by Transit, January 2021, https://transitapp.com/APTA.
Not every business was able to go fully remote. So, city-dwelling essential workers looked to bikesharing to replace their commute modes.
Using bikeshare systems enabled people to get where they needed to go while exposing them to as few people as possible. This form of micromobility became an essential transportation service when there was a serious gap in transit that needed to be filled.
Now, with bikeshare systems electrifying their business models by adding e-bikes to their fleets, people in cities around the country like New York City, Chicago, Miami, Portland, Metro DC, and San Francisco can go further and get there faster.
Companies like Lyft with bikeshares in these major cities began adding e-bikes by the thousands and are seeing the results in their increasing ridership numbers. Where it stands now, there’s no denying it: Bikeshares are only going up from here with e-bikes making their mark!
It’s Earth Day, the annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection! As a nonprofit in the transportation industry, we want to get right down to business. The transportation sector generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in the US at 29%. So, how can we do our part in protecting our planet through our daily commute?
Joining a carpool is a simple way to decrease the number of cars on the road. Ridesharing does a lot of good for individuals—Saving people money and reducing traffic, stress, and congested parking lots. It does wonders for environment. Carpool programs around the US reduce carbon emissions from traffic filled streets, lighten the environmental burdens of noise pollution, and lessen the transit industry’s contributions to greenhouse gases. You can even use our commuter savings calculator to see how much money you could save by joining a carpool.
COVID-19 closing businesses has shown us a new way of work-life balance – telecommuting. People have found working from a home office has allowed a new wave of productivity and comfort while on the clock. Working from home takes away the complications of the daily commute and the carbon emissions that naturally come along with it. If teleworking has snuck its way into your lifestyle and it works for you, adapt your work week to your newfound routine as businesses begin to reopen. Work three days in the office and two days at home, or whatever fits your needs. Even cutting down one or two days a week commuting can make a big difference in your carbon footprint!
Becoming aware of your own daily usage of energy is a good place to start in creating a greener lifestyle. A first step could be calculating your own carbon footprint, taking note of your impact when it comes to your home, car, and daily transit choices. Understanding and acknowledging your own footprint is a great way to begin to make small changes to live a greener life, beginning with thoughts like: “Maybe I take public transit more. Should I invest in a bike instead of a second vehicle? How much am I spending on parking and gas per month?”
We’d love to hear how you take our beautiful planet Earth into consideration on your daily commute. Tweet at us and celebrate Earth Day with us on our social medias. Let’s commute green together!
What is it about our daily commute that feels so engrained in our lifestyle? Is it the ‘Me Time’, the ability to ease into our workday, the simple routine of it all? In the past, commuting was widely surveyed to be one of our least favorite activities. But now that it’s gone, many people find themselves missing it.
Maybe it’s the realization that we’ve lost that in-between time to listen to a podcast, clear our minds on our drive into work, or the sanctuary of being alone in our car. Perhaps we don’t realize how peaceful it can be to grab the window seat on a train, see the sun peaking over the horizon while driving to the office, or people-watch on the subway. When we think of things like traffic on our way home or jam-packed buses, it feels odd that we would miss our commutes at all.
Writing tutor at Southern Connecticut State University, Stephanie Kaesmann told us, “Watching the seasons change on the parkway is something I miss about my commute as I can only tutor online now.”
You’d be surprised at the original thoughts and moments of peace that can be fostered on our rather monotonous daily commutes. Whether it’s walking to catch the subway or half hour drives on the highway, being on the go can bring clarity, and ritual invites a welcome consistency when the world feels so uncertain.
While teleworking, we can create small moments of routine that can mimic the way our commutes get us ready to take on the day. Sit by the window with a podcast on to have your morning coffee. Start the day with a short walk. Change out of your sweatpants. Play a game on your phone. Jot down your goals for the day in a planner or notebook.
When your commute becomes a walk from your bed to your desk, we begin to realize how much we miss even the most mundane parts of our regular day. Take time to give yourself that in-between time and separation from work you may find yourself missing.
While you’re at it, you can use our commuter calculator to see how much you’re saving on your commute.