excuse me…I’ve got gas
so…with the potentials of $3.00/gallon on the horizon as early as the weekend, I filled up my tank this morning on the way to the train.
$42.70!
True, I drive a Jeep. True, it’s not the best on gas for my short, 1-mile commute to the train. True, I only fill the tank once a month…but still! I can’t imagine if I drove to work!
This weekend Erika and I were discussing the costs of taking the train versus driving to work. I spend $45/month for parking at the train station, $181/month for a Zone 6 MBTA pass, and it takes me about an hour and a half each way (an hour of which is usable for reading, working, relaxing, and about 25 minutes is spent walking). If I drove, I would figure it to cost me anywhere from $70-$320 for parking, $44 for a subway pass, $215 in gas, and take at least 45-60 minutes each way (45 potentially stressful minutes) — not to mention auto repairs.
$226 and 60 hours (180 mins a day*20 days) vs. $455 and 30 hours.
Time may be money, but I think I’ve made the right choice in taking the train.
August 29th, 2005 at 5:51 pm
That’s true, and then you wouldn’t have to deal with road rage.
August 30th, 2005 at 9:49 am
I’m just about in the exact situation as you, except I’m a Zone 7. I use to drive to Wellington and take the Orange line in, but the drive time could be anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 mintues depending on traffic & weather, which lead to major frustation/stress/anxiety.
With gas only going one direction, the train defintely has tunred out to be a good move. Although it does have its drawbacks, it still beats driving.