Whether you are headed to the office or simply running errands, taking public transportation is one of the most cost-effective and sustainable ways to commute. Here are some tips to make your public transit experience more enjoyable.
Plan Your Trip Like a Pro
The easiest commutes actually start long before you leave your house. Planning your commute is not just about ensuring you reach your destination. It is also a great way to reduce travel stress and have a better ride.
Start planning your trip by bookmarking your local transportation program or transit authority’s website. Different counties in Pennsylvania have their own transit authorities. For example, if you reside in Berks County, your transit authority is Berks Area Reading Transportation Authority, or BARTA, while Lancaster has Red Rose Transit Authority, or RRTA. On these pages, you will find ride alerts, learn about delays or detours, and gain access to other updates.
You can also use a journey planner to minimize the planning work. Journey planners can help you find efficient routes, calculate fares and even estimate walking times from your place or office to the stop. This information can help you know the best time to leave for the stop so you are not scrambling. Platforms like Commute PA offer a central hub where you can find essential planning resources tailored to your specific region.
Dress for the Journey
Temperatures outside and inside a bus will differ significantly based on factors such as the commuter load. So, our second bus commute tip is to dress in layers, allowing you to remove some should the temperature rise. If you are heading to the office, keep it professional with a business casual sweater, which you can easily stow away in your travel bag.
Invest in a Good Bag
One of the best buys for any commuter is a lightweight, durable backpack with multiple compartments. Whether you are a student or a professional, you will need a place to store your laptop, books, files and some daily essentials. Getting a durable and waterproof backpack is a great way to keep all your belongings safe and organized during your commute.
Build Your Commuter Kit
You can create a personalized travel kit based on your travel style. If you use your mornings to prepare for the day ahead, you will need a productivity kit with a notebook to plan out your day and maybe a tablet for a more comfortable experience reading emails.
But if you use the commute for some “me” time, then assemble a relaxation kit with headphones and a downloaded playlist, podcast or book. However, remember that a public transit safety tip worth practicing, even with headphones on, is to remain aware of your surroundings.
Whether your ride is your planning block or relaxation time, key basics to have in every kit include hand sanitizer, a reusable water bottle and portable charger or power bank.
