3 options for commuting to work every day
You may enjoy singing loudly to your favourite tune in the car, while others drive past looking at you curiously.
Maybe you prefer catching up on the latest bestseller novel on the train.
Or you just simply love the feeling cycling gives you, by being outdoors and active.
The transport you choose should be considered carefully as it could affect your sanity and your pocket.
Cars
Convenience
With a train or bus, you have a set schedule that you have to stick to. Which means if you’re running late because you overslept, you’ll likely miss your transport. Travelling by car gives you the opportunity to have some leeway for when you have to leave. You have total freedom when you use a car.
Versatility
Whether you purchase a used Ford or a brand new model you’ll have infinite options of cars to choose from on the market. You can choose to buy a car that is fuel-efficient and easy to maintain.
Reliability
With trains, you’ll experience delays from time to time because of power failures or cancellation of trains. The delays happen almost daily and that means you can’t rely completely on trains. Although they have set schedules, it still doesn’t guarantee that the train will arrive on time. If you have your own car, you can set a schedule that suits you.
Space
When you’re travelling by car you won’t find yourself standing for an hour. You’ll have your own seat and you won’t have worry about overcrowdedness. You’ll have complete privacy, which you can’t get on a bus or train.
Control
The driver of the bus or the train is in control of how fast or slow the transport mode goes. Whereas, if you have your own vehicle, you have total freedom and can decide on the speed of your car (while obeying the speed limit, obviously).
Fuel
Petrol can be costly and may empty your pockets drastically each month.
Trains
Economic savings
Trains are very affordable. If you are on a tight budget a train is the viable way to go. It’s very cost-effective. You can just buy a monthly or weekly ticket and you won’t have to worry about standing in long queues in order to purchase your ticket.
Because you aren’t driving, you can spend the extra time you have in commuting to catch up on reading or just relax by playing Candy crush.
Reliability
Trains are reliable because they have schedules and routes. Which means it’s very convenient because you don’t have to worry about waiting for a taxi for long periods of time.
Environmentally friendly
They don’t contribute as much to pollution as other transport modes do.
Traffic
When you commute on a train every day to work, you don’t have to worry about being stuck in traffic and having to explain to your boss why you’re late. The fact that there is no traffic means that you can get to work on time.
Safety
The number of accidents that occurs while using a train are quite low.
Overcrowding
At certain times of day, the train is usually overcrowded with people. Full trains can lead to people pushing you around and others stepping on your toes. It’s uncomfortable and claustrophobic. There’s no room for privacy as you are surrounded by people. And usually, there are no seats available so you have to stand the entire trip. If you’ve just had a long day at work, the thought of standing on a train to get back home might seem tedious.
Delays
On trains, you’ll sometimes get some unexpected delays, which can be extremely inconvenient. The delays could be caused by various things, such as cable theft, switch problems, faulty tracks which cause hours of being stuck at the station waiting for a train. Because of these delays, there might be large crowds that are stationary at the station.
If you have an important meeting that you have to attend, you might miss it because of the delays.
Health problems
Studies show taking trains can negatively affect your health.
Rigid
The train schedules are set and they aren’t flexible or adjustable.
Security
If a train is empty, petty thieves will look for an opportunity to steal something. Criminals don’t like anything which will draw attention to them. So they know if a train doesn’t have a lot of people, you’re at the most vulnerable. They also usually pick certain times of the day and certain days where the train won’t be full. Such as a Sunday because there are fewer people travelling on certain routes.
Cycling
Health benefits
You can choose to cycle to work. Cycling contributes extensively to your health. There are many benefits you get, such as stronger bones, reduced stress, increased muscle strength and stamina. By riding a bicycle you’ll be fitter, healthier and you’ll be able to sleep better.
Freedom
You pick the times you want to leave the house. There are no fixed times that you have to keep to.
Happiness
You’ll be surrounded by sunshine and the Vitamin D you’ll get will be sure way to boost your mood. The sun causes your body to release Vitamin D, which will trigger your serotonin hormones, which will ultimately make you happy and more productive at work.
Weather
The downside of cycling is that when there is a downpour of rain outside, you’ll be left stranded without transport and you have to find alternative ways to get to work, which is something you didn’t budget for.
They say the way you start your day will determine how the rest of your day goes. So the way you travel to work can either improve your mood or contribute negatively to it. Consider all available options and decide in the end what works for you.