{"id":1804,"date":"2026-07-08T01:11:45","date_gmt":"2026-07-08T05:11:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spiritmoxie.com\/conversation\/?p=1804"},"modified":"2026-07-08T01:11:45","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T05:11:45","slug":"use-public-transportation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spiritmoxie.com\/conversation\/use-public-transportation\/","title":{"rendered":"Use Public Transportation"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"faceSometime in 2015, I decided not to own a car: one more dramatic dent \u201cappeared\u201d on the car I had (well, a bit more dramatic than a dent), I have eyes that don\u2019t always work together (but somehow that doesn\u2019t keep me from driving), plus I have great sons who in all probability would never take away my license no matter my age, health, or eyes. So, I did it to myself. I sold the car and somehow still got where I was meant to be. I still have a license and sometimes drive, but usually not willingly. Which is a long way of saying that I\u2019ve learned, even where it isn\u2019t obviously easy, how to use public transportation. And if public transit doesn\u2019t work, I seem to have acquired friends who matter of factly expect to pick me up and drop me off when that\u2019s the best option for getting together.<\/p>\n

There have been major benefits. Using public transit has expanded my sense that time works for me rather than being a limited resource, allows me to more fully experience the diversity of a city (which for me is enriching), is budget friendly, and has provided interesting challenges when in new locations. The fact that it helps both the environment and the\u00a0economy<\/a> is important too and is the main reason it is a Spirit Moxie little thing that can change the world.<\/p>\n

\"Bus\"\u201cBut,\u201d you say, \u201cI need my car. I have to get places quickly and promptly. There are errands and work and last minute social obligations, to say nothing of having to carry a lot. Plus, there isn\u2019t any reliable public transit where I live. In fact, there aren\u2019t even unreliable options.\u201d Fair. I\u2019ve lived there, too. I have friends even now that are impossible to visit unless someone picks me up and drives. It means that for now, I am choosing not to live in smaller towns or somewhere rural. But when you have the option, try it. At the very least you won\u2019t have to worry about parking.<\/p>\n

The concept of public transportation and the reality of it benefits both the municipality offering it and the individuals using it.<\/a> Statistically, there are lower emissions per capita (statistic speak) and a decreased use of fossil fuels. Plus, for those using it, it not only saves money (gas, insurance, parking, that new battery – to say nothing of buying the car itself), it often has health benefits such as having to walk to the transit stop, which is a small way to stay active in today\u2019s sedentary world.<\/p>\n

\"SunsetPlus, you probably do use, or think about using, public transportation even now. Or some form of shared transportation that isn\u2019t funded through the government. For instance, airlines, cruise ships and ferries, and trains. While these modes are just beginning to be more fuel efficient, they have always moved large numbers of people and large quantities of things around the world. And that means less congestion.<\/p>\n

I don\u2019t expect you to believe me that using shared transportation can be expanding and freeing, safer, cost efficient, and, yes, fun. I can only tell you that I\u2019ve found that is true for me. I can say that because of its overall benefits for a city or region, it really is a way to change the world.<\/p>\n

What are your reservations and what is your experience?<\/p>\n

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\nAll photos by\u00a0 Spirit Moxie – from the top<\/p>\n

Commuter train graffiti
\nPortland, Oregon bus
\nSunrise from a\u00a0 plane<\/p>\n

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The Case for Investing in Public Transit<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n