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The Misconceptions and Realities of Public Transportation

Jonathan Boldes
Jonathan Boldes December 11, 2015 Jonathan Boldes is a former Senior Business Development Manager at Arlington Transportation Partners.
ATP TAKEAWAY: If you need help trying a new mode, ATP can help! From commute planners to SmarTrip cards, our team can help you find a better commute. Changing a perception could change your commute.

One of the major barriers to trying a new form of public transportation are the misconceptions that exist about the various modes. “Buses are dirty” or “I can’t bike because I don’t have the proper gear” are just two examples of common sentiments that are easily debunked by trying these modes for yourself!

To play on some of those thoughts, we’ve put together an extremely serious, no jokes allowed and thoroughly curated list of those false perceptions. </sarcasm>

Metro

The perception

Metro perception

 

The reality*

Metro Reality

 

Why it’s great*

person on metro platform

Taking the Metro allows you to sit back, relax and spend your time doing something enjoyable. You’ll often find people buried in newspapers, books and their phones as the train is chugging along (or single tracking...just keepin' it real).

Bus

The perception

Bus perception - old bus

 

The reality*

Bus reality

 

Why it’s great*

Bus  with bike on front

Taking the bus is often one of your cheapest commuting options, you get to be above ground and all buses come equipped with bike racks so you can finish your long distance trip on four wheels instead of two, when you want to.

Bike

The perception

Bike perception example

 

The reality*

Bike reality - person o cabi

 

Why it’s great

weightlifter

Biking to work adds in an extra amount of physical activity each day that makes you healthier and can even help you lose weight. Who said commuting always had to be an awful ordeal? #workoutgoals #bikercise #whydidntidothissooner

Sharing the ride (carpools, vanpools, etc)

The perception

Carpool people up against windows

 

The reality*

Carpool getting into car

 

Why it’s great

dogs in car

JK, dogs can’t even drive…

Oh yes, sharing the ride. It’s great because it can often be the cheapest and fastest way to get between where you work and live! We are actually currently offering a special subsidy on vanpools through our Vanpool Connect program.

Virginia Railway Express (VRE)

The perception

steam locomotive

 

The reality*

people on vre platform

 

Why it’s great

happy vre riders

The VRE travels from as far south as Spotsylvania and Fredericksburg (Fredericksburg Line) and as far west as Manassas (Manassas Line). The train allows you to avoid gridlocked traffic of I-395 and I-495, while relaxing on a quiet and comfortable train. The seats even come equipped with convenient holders for your phone in case you want to watch something on your trip. The train stops at Crystal City in Arlington with direct access to many bus lines and the Metro.

Driving alone in your car

The perception*

traffic

 

The reality*

Driving alone congestion

 

Why it’s great*

more traffic

It’s not.

*Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/Kittner.com

Tags: Bike, Bus, Carpool, Metro, Vanpool, Commute

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