Bus/Bike vs. Car for $$$

[Python]

It's amazing how much you can save by using a bike (or bus/bike with a free pass).

If I use my car to commute to work it costs about £30 a week ($60) just on fuel alone. If I take a taxi to and from work £65 ($130) Just taking the bus would be £12.50 ($25). Using the bike £0

[surgtech1956]

Sounds like a really great job with fantastic fringe benefits. More money for fun & bike clothes, etc.. or maybe a new bike.

[KnottedYet]

I've bought 3 new bikes and 1 used bike in the last year. I can't be buying any more!

Now it's time for Ortlieb classic roll-top panniers, and a pannier/backpack converter, and another Brooks B67 saddle, and a few cases of Clif Bloks, and some more wool (mmmm, Surly wool jersey!), and some bright bike lights, and....

But maybe I should pay my Visa off first? Naw....

[surgtech1956]

Sounds like a great 'wish list'.

[Melalvai]

I've bought 3 new bikes and 1 used bike in the last year. I can't be buying any more!

Now it's time for Ortlieb classic roll-top panniers, and a pannier/backpack converter, and another Brooks B67 saddle, and a few cases of Clif Bloks, and some more wool (mmmm, Surly wool jersey!), and some bright bike lights, and....

But maybe I should pay my Visa off first? Naw....

I haven't bought any new bikes lately, but I've been working through my wishlist, which is similar (rack trunk/panniers, lights) and have just come to the same conclusion: no more until the credit card is out of my life!!

[maillotpois]

Wow - that is excellent. And think what you are doing for the environment as well as your wallet!!!

[quint41]

So cool. I take the bus daily, but we don't have bike racks here in Hartford. I wish we did!! I could bus one way and bike the other, or bike in and take the bus home if it rained later. How cool would THAT be?!

[surgtech1956]

You gals are so lucky that you have the option of taking a bus to work.

[crumpincommuter]

So cool. I take the bus daily, but we don't have bike racks here in Hartford. I wish we did!! I could bus one way and bike the other, or bike in and take the bus home if it rained later. How cool would THAT be?!

Hey Quint:

Not sure what bus line you take or if it's typically filled to capacity; but CT Transit locals do allow bikes on the bus, but conditionally. Up until a few weeks ago, CT Transit website posted a notice to that effect; it was really handy to have available to print off and to hand to a "reluctant" driver.

Personally I take advantage of the convenience on rainy afternoons or if a morning meeting cuts in a.m. commute shower time. The key is to stand your ground with the driver and if necessary; insist they call dispatch to confirm the allowance of bikes on the bus.

If you don't take CT Transit then join the local voices in speaking up for Hartford (links for advocacy available on www.wecyclect.org ; note all the "Gold Coast" buses have had racks for years and if I not mistaken our state tax $ all go to the same place).

Also From CCBA ( www.wecyclect.org) website...

Bikes permitted on CT Transit Buses: New policy at CT Transit in Hartford, bikes may be carried onto CT Transit buses, if a wheelchair tie down is available and if the bus is not full. If the bus fills or someone needs the tie down after the bike boards, the bike and rider will be asked to get off. Some progress, and thanks to the bike advocate who pushed for this policy (we do not know who, if you can claim credit, let us know.) Racks on buses coming soon, we hope.

Help Pass the Word!!!!!