If you regularly drive by yourself to work, you’re not alone! According to the most recent American Community Survey, just over 81% of Central Ohioans do the same. Take some time to consider the following questions when considering your commuting habits:
Car ownership costs Central Ohio households an estimated $10,700 per year, classified as generally unaffordable by the H+T Affordability Index. Instead of shouldering the complete cost of car ownership on your own, you might consider sharing the cost with carpool or vanpool partners.
While you get around town, are you able to catch up on emails or the latest news headlines? What about checking your social media feeds, watching Netflix, or making progress with your latest book? You can do all of these things and more when taking transit or sharing the ride.
Improve your health by building physical activity into your commute. Walking to the bus stop and biking or walking to work are great ways to achieve the 10,000 recommended step total for the typical American adult, leading to better cardiovascular performance. Active commuting also helps reduce stress and produces feel-good endorphins.
Taking transit or joining a carpool, vanpool, or bikepool are natural stages for social interaction. Complete the morning crossword on the bus with your fellow regular riders or discuss the Buckeyes’ most recent performance while riding in your vanpool. Commuting together is a great opportunity to build friendships and enjoy the company of others while getting around.
Driving alone is a major source of air pollution. According to the U.S. EPA, mobile sources make up the majority of emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), nationwide. By choosing to carpool, vanpool, take transit, or bike, you’ll be doing your share to help reduce total emissions, enhance air quality and improve public health.
There are many factors to consider when exploring your commute options. With these factors in mind, select any of the modes from the above menu to learn more about each option.