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Getting your head around: getting around by public transport

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If you’re used to getting about by car, the idea of switching to public transport may seem like too much hard work. Figuring out what trains and buses go from where to where, and how to connect between the different forms of transport can be time consuming, and for some, darn right tedious. And it’s all too easy to just ignore the benefits of leaving your car at home, after all, it’s comfortable and it’s what you’re used to, right? Well no more, here are some reminders of why it’s so important to get those cars off the road.

Benefits of using public transport

1. Health:
Yes, there are health benefits to using public transport. Public transport users walk an average of 20 minutes a day, between home and station/bus-stop, and then between station/bus-stop and destination. So public transport can help you build exercise into your daily routine.

2. Environment:

Removing cars from the roads contributes to a reduction of both pollution in our cities, but also to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

And there are other benefits too, including saving time spent in traffic jams, and enjoying a stress-free journey where you can catch up on some reading. You avoid road-rage too.

Finding your way around

Public Routes is a website that offers point-to-point directions in more than 20 cities in the US, and in London in the UK, using public transport. If your city is not included, all is not lost, because they are continually working on adding more cities to the site.

Transport for London Journey Planner is another good option for public transport directions in greater London.

Google Maps offers public transit directions for some US cities and across Japan.

Traveline provides public transport information for across the UK, including inter-city transport.

Transport Direct is a UK government site containing a public-transport route-finder and including live travel information.

Making the switch to public transport

If you travel by car in London, the imovelondon campaign is asking for pledges to leave your car at home just one day a week and to walk, cycle, car share or go by public transport instead. You can make your pledge here.

The Big Green Switch is also asking for pledges to reduce the number of car journeys you make to and from work, point out that it’s cutting back on the regular shorter journeys that can make the biggest difference.

Another incentive to travel by public transport

Travelling the same route by public transport day after day can mean seeing the same people on the bus/train, not a bad way to meet people or have a “brief encounter”. It really does happen. Here’s a little help to get you on your way.


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