My experiences with switching my trip

This week, SEMCOG’s Switch My Trip promotion is an opportunity to take a break from driving alone and try an alternative commute such as carpooling, vanpooling, public transportation, walking, biking, or flextime and telecommute benefits. Participants get a free slice of Buddy’s pizza, a chance to win prizes (For prize eligibility, commutes must be logged no later than 6 p.m. on February 28), and experience the benefits and opportunities of sharing a ride.

There aren’t many opportunities in life to make a new friend, save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and add more joy to your day. I have done all of this just by making the decision to quit driving alone.

The first time I carpooled to work was about 17 years ago. I had been in a crash and my car was in the shop for a few weeks. I was new to Southeast Michigan and unfamiliar with the transit system. Fortunately, a co-worker who lived in my neighborhood offered to drive me.

I later learned there was a bus going downtown, and the stop was only four blocks from my house. I really could have used Southeast Michigan Commuter Connect in those days when I didn’t know my transportation options, including transit schedules. Nonetheless, I was happy to find out I had another option. After a few mishaps with the bus schedule, I continued to carpool and ride the bus even after my car was repaired.

On the bus, I met and became friends with several of my neighbors and started walking to the bus stop with my next door neighbor. When I was on maternity leave after having my first baby, these friends and neighbors came to my house with food, gifts, and a thoughtful eagerness to see how I was and meet my son. The bus also gave me quiet time (a rare occurrence living with two young children) which allowed me to do things for myself like reading and listening to music.

I had the opportunity to get to know co-workers and neighbors in our 20-minute commute in a way that probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise. The carpool is a place to vent after a hectic morning or after a trying day at work. It’s comforting on snowy, icy, and rainy days to have someone else in the car. And when hitting traffic or construction, the driver can rely on the passenger to check for a better route.

When I was without a car I was forced to switch my trip. There was no chance at winning a prize or getting a free slice of pizza. Nevertheless, I experienced the benefits. Since 2002, carpooling and transit have helped me save $30,000 and reduce 34,000 pounds of CO2 emissions.

The goal of Switch My Trip is to encourage folks driving alone to just try an alternative commute for one day. For me, I tried it, experienced all the benefits, and it’s a way of life now. Go ahead, sign up and give it a try. And let me know how it goes.