Getting around
In my climate action series, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes of how I incorporate ecofriendly behaviours+ into my life (or don’t).
This post is about my transit and travel reasoning (and the transportation mode I love). It happens to be written from most commonly used to least frequently. [fun!]
Buses
I actually quite like taking the bus. [not love]
When I started taking the bus by myself as a teen I felt really grown up. Almost adventurous, in a way. Being able to just hop on and off with my presto card. Not needing to be anchored to where you parked, or tethered to someone else driving you…
I can be alone communally. I don’t need to socialize or be energetically ‘on’. I don’t need to do anything. I can nap, read, watch people, stare out the window, or whatever.
Depending on the time of day, I can move around, spread out a bit and take up 2 seats. Get comfortable..
Bus vs. walking
If it takes more than ~20 minutes I’m generally not walking. It’ll depend on a bunch of things: if my feet are hurting (or I’ll be on my feet wherever I’m going), if I’m prepared for the weather, if the wait for the bus is longer than it’ll take walking, if my bag’s (not) heavy (if I’ll be able to put it down where I’m going), if I’ve walked the route before and/or feel safe doing so at that time (day/night)…
If it’s a lot of walking and 3+ transfers, I usually talk myself out of wanting to go there in the first place. Unless it’s somewhere I actually want to go to or my motivation is high.
If I do want to take the bus somewhere instead of walking, I make sure I leave early enough in case I miss one and I’m prepared (weather-wise) for waiting at the bus stop.
Bus vs. car
I’m not such a fan of lyft/uber. Of someone driving from wherever they were, to pick me up, to bring me somewhere, and then go somewhere else. It’s very inconvenient and a lot of extra trips. And a lot more money than a single bus trip.
I don’t like driving anymore either. I have no desire to get (or have) a car. I don’t need to deal with parking. Or insurance. Or other drivers. Or the car itself… Although, it is mighty convenient and lovely getting a ride from other people once in awhile! #mooch
Subways
I thought I liked the subway, but then I had an asterisk and at least 4 reasons for why I don’t…
I don’t really use the subway all that much anymore post-covid. I’m not going many places where Google Maps tells me the best route is via subway.
It’s fine.
Planes
I’m not a fan of air travel - both the process within the airport and the plane itself. (Sometimes I’m tired before I even step foot in the airport.) I wouldn’t ever fly again for those 2 huge reasons, and also the bigger earth reason, and all the small reasons within the huge/big reasons…
Except I will fly again, since I’m not spending ~21 days by ship instead of a 10- or 12-hour direct flight.
My last international flight was December 2022. The time before that was in 2019 I think. And I’m thinking maybe my next trip will be in 2025.
The last time I flew domestic was my first solo trip to Halifax in 2015. My next domestic flight will be to the west coast sometime. And, I do want to go to the east coast again this lifetime.
I read it’s better for the environment to go direct (if you’re going at all), and it’s better for my brain to fly direct (one less airport process), so I always fly direct.
Trains
I love traveling by train. It’s very pleasant. Getting on one, traveling in one…
I have a lot of positive connotations to trains: my dad had this AWESOME huge train set, my parents have this fantastic train 3D puzzle, I traveled by train for my first travel experience without family, fun trains were featured in a lot of my favourite media/entertainment, there’s super cool real-life trains in Ottawa’s Canada Science and Technology Museum (a whole Locomotive Hall!)*, and more…
If I ever go back to Montreal I’d take the train there (and back). And, if/when I make my way to the west coast I’d want to do the Vancouver/Banff train tour. Except I just looked it up and I’m not spending over $2,000 for a 2-day train trip. Maybe I’ll do a 2-day train trip to Halifax (~$230 one way).
*now I’m thinking about a trip to Ottawa for a museum hop (science and tech, aviation and space, children’s, and war). I’m sure the changes since 2010 are fantastic. (!!) [But first, a trip to my own city’s science center. Anyway..]
Ships
I also really like ships, but not as a transportation option. Ships and boats are strictly for recreational purposes :P
Next up: banking + other climate action plans I’m contemplating.