Plight of road transport

When I used to drive to work, I would wish everyday that they (DoT) would add more lanes to the existing 5-lane freeway. Yes to most of you it would sound ludicrous that why would somebody want to extend a 5 lane freeway. Then again there would be some who would empathize with me; who know that even a 5 lane highway can get congested and frustrating at times. So in last year's local elections the winner's manifesto had to have the extension of the freeway as one of the main agenda. Not sure if that was the reason but whatever the reason the construction has started to extend most of the major roads/freeways in San Diego. My sentiments at this extension: frustrated, agitated. Why? Because how long can we keep extending roads to ease congestion? As Gandhiji said "Earth can provide for your needs, not your greed". There have to be alternate ways to resolve traffic congestion.

Since I started using public transportaion, I realized what a boon it is and that was the solution to all our traffic problems. Then I wondered that why do people prefer to be stuck in jams rather than using a bus/train. The answer was simple: public transportation in San Diego is expensive and time-taking most of the times; and inconvenient some of the time. That gives most people little reason to use public transportation. So why don't they spend a fraction of the billions of dollars from the transportation budget to strengthen the infrastructure for public transportation like improving connectivity; and promoting it? Wouldn't doing this
be less expensive that building roads, especially since they don't offer a long term respite? The benefits we're looking at:

1. Reduction in gross fuel consumption, hence reducing dependence on foreign fuel.
2. Environment-friendly in multiple ways: saves a natural resource; burns less gas.
3. Eases traffic congestion.
4. Believe it or not, it would reduce the stress in everybody's life. You'll agree that driving in congested conditions leads to stress on the driver and leaves him flustered. However, if one were to use the public transport, one can simply enjoy the ride.

The more I talk about this issue, the less it seems to me. I wish somebody would put it into the heads of DoT personnel. Seems like this topic has become close to my heart; I can never stop once I start.

Let go the car!

On my way to the office, I look around and find that 90% of the vehicles are occupied by just the driver - including me. With the rising fuel prices, increasing traffic jams and concerns for global warming, I had a huge guilt in my heart. I was an abettor in the bumper-to-bumper traffic jams and a contributor to the selfish depletion of natural resources. Among the alternatives, cycling or walking was not an option considering the miles I'd to travel. Carpool was an option that I really wanted but none of my searches resulted in success. Finally, frustrated with being stuck in traffic jams almost every other day I decided to use the San Diego Coaster (train). Words can't describe my feelings the first day I commuted to office solely on the basis of public transportation. Not only was I saved the agony of jams and harassment by traffic violators but I it also made me feel as if I'd contributed to a good cause however small the contribution: I'd saved a few gallons of gas, to be precise 2 gallons. If I could do this every week, then I would save 104 gallons in a year. If one person could make so much difference then just imagine how much gas would be saved if each of us shunned our cars just once a week!

Using public transportation has many advantages, personal as well as societal:

1. Saves gas.
2. Saves you the hassle of driving and facing traffic.
3. Gives you time to do anything you enjoy doing during your commute.
4. In most cases would turn out to be cheaper. The cost of driving your own vehicle is not just the cost of fuel, it also included cost of maintenance, insurance, etc. To calculate the actual cost of driving you can use this calculator.
   
5. Reduces the depreciation on your vehicle.
6. Reduces the cost of maintenance of your vehicle.
   
7. Reduces number of vehicles on the road and hence decreasing traffic jams.

In some cases, like mine, using public transportation may take some extra time as compared to taking your own vehicle but that extra time can be put to good use and then the pros easily outweigh the cons.

For those who're looking for some information on how to commute using the coaster: most of the stations have the facility to park your car at the station of origin and from the destination station there are a number of shuttles which is most cases will drop you off next to your office. These shuttles are free if you're using the coaster. A single day ticket might be a little expensive but it's worth when on days of the week when you encounter long traffic jams. A monthly pass is very reasonable if you decide to use the coaster daily. The best part of these shuttles is that they are for the coaster commuters so they leave as soon as the commuters have boarded and hence there's no wait. Similarly, their return time is scheduled such that they drop you off just in time for your coaster. Another advantage of using the coaster is the beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean you get to see.