For the past 2 years I’ve been commuting from Wheaton to the northern edge of Chicago proper in my 2001 Subaru Outback wagon. My day job recently moved their facilities to downtown Chicago, about 4 blocks from Ogilvie Station. I had been waiting for this move for some time, as it allows me to take the METRA from Wheaton to Downtown without too much hassle, actually without any hassle.
I just completed by 2nd round-trip and I have to say it has turned out to be pretty good. I do have one complaint though. The METRA doesn’t take credit cards. They don’t mention that little bit of goodness on their website. Lucky for me I was carrying cash for lunch and was able to buy a single round-trip. They claim it’s because of the fees the card companies charge. Actually…I’ll bet you it’s because the union opposes it due to the fact you could replace humans at each station with a vending machine. Though I have to say the lady at the College Station stop is very nice. Even after I floundered around with what to buy after she told me no credit cards and I gave her that dumb look of “you have got to be kidding me?”.
Why did I switch to public transport? It has nothing to do with being a good steward of the environment, though that’s a nice side benefit. Mainly because of the cost difference and I do not have to be the driver. As much as I like driving, it raises my blood pressure to deal with Chicago traffic. I’d rather just sit, relax, and listen to a nice podcast or read a book. Oh…and on average it takes 15 to 30 minutes less travel time to use the train. Even with all the station stops.
A quick cost analysis…
Driving by car costs 3 gallons per round-trip @ $3.50 gallon = $10.5
Taking the train costs $18.30 for a “10 pack”. So that’s $3.66 per round trip
Total cost of REAL MONEY savings if I make 200 round trips each year? $1368 (car $2100 – train $732)
Before our company moved locations it was not practical to take public transit, so I know it is not for everyone. But if you have the opportunity, the ability and it is not too much of an inconvenience. Why arn’t you? Once again, moving to Wheaton is proving to be one of our best decisions.
I wish I were close to public transportation, but alas I’m not. I’m hoping to move soon though and that is one of our desires.
Thats awesome Tyler…wish I could but my commute is only 10 min max.
Woot!!! yay transit! I take the CTA every day from my house in Forest Park to my office in the loop, so I”m a big advocate for transit. But then again, I am also a transit planner by profession so I’m hardly a neutral party. I’m glad the train is working out for you! Now that gas prices are back down compared to what they were back in Oct, are you still taking transit?
Yes still taking transit. But I didn’t realize where I was parking in Wheaton was a leased lot and got a $15 ticket (signage is horrible). Now I have to pay $1.25 a day to park until I can get a leased permit from Wheaton for $60/quarter (6 month waiting list even though the lot is never full). Still cheaper than driving though.
My husband and I take the Metra too to work, and it’s so convenient. We live walking distance so no parking charges either.