Today, I'd like to share one of the hidden benefits from using public transit and carpool. I am sure many of you have already heard about benefits such as reduced carbon emission, cost saving, physical health, etc. These are no-brainers. These were also the benefits I anticipated when I began the adventure. But I didn't think about one thing until I faced it – socializing with more people.
I have to go to so many meetings and events due to my job as well as my volunteer work for USGBC. If the meeting is too far, then I had to rent a car or fly or take Amtrak. So not having a car for such meetings wasn't giving me any trouble. Always the challenge was meetings in the Triangle area. Because of the limited bus schedule and available lines, it was not easy to get to meetings in Chapel Hill, Durham and other areas. So I always had to plan ahead and figure out who could give me a ride. In order to do it, I had to find who's going to the meeting and contact them if they could carpool with me. Yes, it was a bit of hassle. However, I was really lucky that most people I asked for a ride didn't turn me down. The first and most obvious reason is because, of course, all of them are so nice and generous. Another reason, I feel so blessed, is because most meetings/events were related to USGBC and the folks I asked for a ride were also volunteers for the organization who are very supportive in carbon emission reduction or any good environmental cause. They all were trying to help me achieve my goal. I was very conscious of whom I ask for a ride. Because they were so generous, some people even didn't mind detouring off of their routes way farther than their normal route. I tried to avoid it because it didn't make sense to detour long distance to give me a ride which would negate my purpose.
Anyway, I would like to thank you all who have given me a ride. I know some of you might not have this luck if you get rid of your car. TTA and local transit authorities should develop the comprehensive transit system that can provide people transportation without relying on rides. Not all of them will have the same luck I had.
OK, going back to the benefit, because of the carpool, I could have conversations with many folks that otherwise I could not have had. I counted how many have given me a ride. Total 34 different people. I felt a lot closer to them after riding together for however long the ride was. I am not going to reveal who they are to protect their privacy. But if you have helped me achieve this year-long journey and are reading this, I thank you so much! I couldn't do it without your help. THANK YOU!
