Eco-buses

Commuters relying on mass/public transportation may feel like they're doing their part to keep the environment clean because they're not all driving to the city alone in their cars, each puffing carbon dioxide exhaust into the air. But what about the buses? Sure, the number of buses needed to carry throngs of commuters to and from the city is much less than the number of cars it would require to carry that same amount--but buses are certainly not the cleanest forms of transportation. Anyone standing at a bus stop can tell as these beasts roll by, often sputtering toxic black clouds and noxious fumes from their rear ends.

I did find hope for the future of buses from this New York Times article. Writer Matthew Wald reports that electric buses are making their way into rotation, specifically as shuttles between terminals at the Logan Airport in Boston. According to the article, these new vehicles are "powered by two electric motors, one for each rear wheel, and a natural gas engine" and are composed of "more fiberglass than steel, [and] is two-thirds the weight of a regular bus."

A drawback to these eco-buses are their cost, which is about four times that of a typical gas-guzzling bus. As technology progresses, it is suspected that the price for electric buses will drop. The added bonus of fuel savings may factor in to making the bus more affordable as well.

While I immediately felt hope when I read this article about the future of mass transportation, I will admit my heart sank a bit when I noticed the piece was written in 1999--TEN YEARS AGO! Maybe ten years is a drop in the bucket when it comes to electric transportation technology, but it definitely makes me feel like we should have been seeing these vehicles rolling out in mass production by now.

Bus drivers are bad drivers

Reading this article from the Chicago Tribune was shocking and not shocking at the same time. A bus driving through someone's home? Wow, that's crazy! Can I imagine any of my bus drivers doing the same? Yes.

Just the other day one driver (who I often refer to as Angry White Haired Guy) blatantly drove through a red light by Duquesne University. Student pedestrians on the sidewalk were all shooting him enraged looks as he pulls right through throngs of people attempting to cross the street--he drove right through the red light. I've been in the bus with this same driver when he was involved in a bit of a fender bender in Oakland. He has road rage and thinks because his vehicle is bigger than most of the others, he can drive however he wants. It's definitely a bit disturbing at times.

Extreme Commuting

This Business Week article tells the sad tale of extreme commuters--those poor souls who travel up to six hours from their homes to their jobs. The idea that their salary, affordable home, or closeness to good schools or family may lead extreme commuters to take up these travel habits but often doesn't last long. One man quoted in the article claims it's the biggest mistake of his life.

The article also grimly reports that, "studies show that commuters are on average much less satisfied with their lives than noncommuters" and "commuting is also associated with raised blood pressure, musculoskeletal disorders, increased hostility, lateness, absenteeism, and adverse effects on cognitive performance."

After reading this article, I definitely don't feel as bad about my hour commute but do feel a sense of growing dread for the future. Many of these people travel for several hours to work out of necessity and who knows what job and home I'll find in the future. Still, if the option arose to take a well paying job or a more affordable home but face a six hour commute--I would probably have to opt for a different job or home.

Check your commuter knowledge

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Commuter personality test

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

audio project test

Audio project for JOUR 280 - Beatles Rock Band game review

Poll for commuters

Quizzes by Quibblo.com