Virginia Asks Commuters to “Try Transit”

Did you know that the average driver spends up to a week’s worth of vacation time a year sitting in traffic? Not to mention about $9,000 a year on driving expenses (fuel, parking, maintenance) according to a recent report from the American Public Transportation Association.

Working with counties and transit operators across the Commonwealth, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) has declared September 21 – 25 “Try Transit Week.” The second annual event is designed to encourage Virginians to avoid driving solo and opt for transit such as bus, rail, carpools, or vanpools. The week coincides with Car Free Day on September 22, an annual international event.

In addition to saving money, taking transit reduces traffic congestion (read: faster travel times for everyone), improves air quality and conserves energy. Another advantage includes enjoying that all-too-often-neglected “me” time (sans traffic-induced stress headaches) – which might include reading, writing, meditating or just zoning out on your iPod. All of which are much more difficult (and dangerous) to do in a car.

And if all that’s not enough, when you pledge to try transit between September 21 – 25, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a free one-year pass to the Virginia transit service of your choice. Even if you currently use one form of transit, you can pledge to try another and be entered into the contest.

In northern Virginia, transportation options abound: Fairfax Connector (which carried more than 9.5 million passengers in fiscal year 2009), Metrobus, the Transportation Association of Greater Springfield (TAGS), Metrorail, Virginia Railway Express (VRE), RideSources and Commuter Connections, pedestrian and bicycling programs, park and rides, the Guaranteed Ride Home program, and the Vanpool Assistance Program. The Employer Outreach Program helps employers set up transportation benefits for employees. For more info, check out the Fairfax County Department of Transportation.

So hop on the “Try Transit” bandwagon, sit back and enjoy the ride. The savings (to your wallet, to your health and to the planet) will have you smiling.

Photo Credit: Flickr CC User splorp