Transportation

For me, personally, driving is the most convenient and cost-effective mode of transportation. To travel from the BART station closest to my home to my workplace would cost me nearly $20 roundtrip. It would also take close to an hour and a half to get to work. Driving costs less and requires less than half the time it would take to use public transportation. The monetary costs and time costs are not the only factors in my decision to drive. The issue of safety plays a major role as well. Fairly recently in the news I have heard stories of stabbings and shootings and a needle prick on BART. In fact, a couple of incidents occurred at or near the BART station that is most convenient for me to use. If the cost and time didn't already dissuade me from using this form of public transportation, the fear for safety definitely does. Before moving to the Bay Area last year, I lived in Washington, DC where I did not have a car. I walked to a lot of places and used public transportation to get around the city. I really enjoyed it. I feel like I led a much healthier, less sedentary lifestyle there. I would prefer this as I know using public transportation is better for me and for the environment, but until it is cheaper and safer, I will probably continue to drive.