In this economic crisis that the United States is facing, people have tried their best to shift to a lifestyle far different than their norm. In this side of the world where having a car is a necessity and vacationing is a way of life, the high price of gas is truly a burden and a compelling reason to make sacrifices.
In our household alone, everytime I am called for a part-time job, I take the bus. Working for five hours on a job that pays seventeen dollars an hour, I have only invested a dollar and fifty for my fare. And this morning- after several weeks of convincing, finally my husband gave in and decided to ride his (road) bike to work. It took alot of persuasion and in turn I got alot of procrastination. On his part, it also was not easy. The trip would be a long twelve miles. And ever since we got our new car, he had been very complacent on our gas budget after learning that this minivan that gives us too much space and comfort actually had a better gas mileage than our old Infiniti. But then came an opportunity. I just laid down an effective bargain. Finally I had found his waterloo (to watch Batman again only when he rides his bike).
For some other people there’s carpooling. The first time I heard about that was from my sister in the Netherlands. Her husband- together with his colleagues organized a carpooling as their everyday means of going to work.
But if there is one means that amazes me the most, it is SLUGGING. Started in the 70′s and most common and publicized in Washington D.C., this casual or informal carpooling is basically like hitchhiking. Only that in this case, they have designated slug lines which are open during rush hours in the morning and in the afternoon. And just like hitchhiking, slugging is free. In turn, passengers must also observe unofficial rules to the arrangement like, no eating of drinking inside the car, driver has full control over the radio, no opening of windows unless all passengers approve. Briefly stated, the value of being considerate should be possessed- after all, this is a win-win situation for both parties. Drivers can gain friends along the way, passengers get a free and more comfortable ride to work. Drivers will have access to High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes thus making their trips faster, while passengers will not be late for work.
The soaring gas price is truly a burden. On the other side, it is also a test that brings out the best of a person judging on our response to the circumstance. Taking the bus makes us feel self-reliant and independent on cars. Riding the bike is a good work-out (but just practice all necessary caution like wearing a helmet on your ride). Carpooling and slugging expands our acquaintances and improves our sense of consideration. Indeed, this crisis is a pain in the neck. But it also enables us to realize how far we can go in being a good person to ourselves and to others. This is a test of our priority and character down the road.
***more information on slugging at www.slug-lines.com
Travis would never give up his car. Not only because he works about 45 minutes from home but it is just convenient for him. He likes having control with his schedule. Who wouldn’t? If only the public transportation here in the US is as efficient as the ones in Eurupe, there’s no doubt we would be on it. Here in Minnesota, they have started building commuting rails but it isn’t fast enough though. But at least there’s an effort of improving it.
If I start working, Travis and I will be carpooling. Until we can afford another car. Hopefully I will work near home so I can just ride the bike which you mentioned is a good exercise.
yeah Ror, high price of gas is truly a burden.Imagine how many gas Diva will consume every week. But Diva is so accessable and usefull for both of us. Love is planning to get a small car like Honda Element for us to use just here around the City. God bless America!!! Hopefully the economic crisis will get better soon.
ror,what you said is so true.at least here the gas prices are going donw a little bit but not that much.we are lucky this school opening coz kayla is going on the bus.saves us the additional travelling and gas expense…ror,you ride the bus na?me,ala pa gihapon.im so ashame to say that i dont know how to get on the bus here,even my husband doenst know how to.
riding a bike to work is actually a good idea ate ror! I saw a lot of our MP’s riding their bikes and or using the underground trains to work, which are ideal if you live in the city of London. Even hubby commutes (1 hr) to the city coz it’s a lot cheaper than driving. But since I work outside the city, so I have no option but to drive, unless I am willing to pay for train fare in which it actually outweighs the cost of me driving to work.
Good for you te ror, that you’re thinking about budgeting…we have to especially with our economic crisis. Hayyy!!!
yeah that’s a good thing jacs for you guys to actually work in the same area or at least in one where it’s not out-of-the-way.
mao Madz, diva has a big engine- sus I can just imagine pila ang ma-consume niya in a week. pero mao lagi mamadon, if you will get a smaller car then you will have to give up the comfort and accessibility that only diva can provide.
yes lods I take the bus whenever christian is not around to drive me. lingaw ra man sad gyud- feeling independent kaayo ang dating. ang mga bus nila diri sa states kay dili man pareha sa ato nga perting limuota. sus! panington ta ug bugbog.
good for you mami chris you have other options for transportation like trains, then bikes, and of course there are cars. speaking of london, yesterday i watched top gear they had this race between a Panda car and a marathon runner….which of the two will reach the finish line first. The race occurred during peak hours in London, and it was the marathon runner who won!