49 News Anchor takes challenge to decrease her carbon footprint
Originally published 09:07 p.m., July 27, 2008
Updated 08:54 p.m., July 28, 2008
I gave up my gas guzzler for a week. A 1999 Toyota Rav 4 that gets 19 miles to the gallon. I made some sacrifices, but in the end I saved some money. However, for that seven days, I found that sometimes the solutions to getting where I needed to be weren't so simple.
The bus picks me up two and a half blocks from my home. It costs $1.25.
The first day I said goodbye to my vehicle and said hello to the outdoors. I walked to work. It took 53 minutes to there. I arrived pretty sweaty. Fortunately, I had a brought dress shoes and a bag of clothes to change into at work.
The next day I took the bus and arrived less sweaty. It was air conditioned.
Unlike the rest of Topeka, one thing these folks on the bus aren't worried about is the cost of gas.
"Saves a lot of money on gas -- a lot of money on gas," said Eric Thomas, who only ride the bus. "Three or four times a day, every day -- just about go to the grocery store, you know, friends houses and appointments and doctors appointments."
On a one-month pass-riders are spending less than a dollar a day. Driving to the store, then the doctor and then to a friend's house would cost me at least $5 in gas alone.
"Don't even notice the gas prices are up. I don't care 'cause I don't drive," Eric said.
"Last time I filled gas was the 28th of June, and I have less than 90 miles on my car right now, less than 30 miles a week on my car," said Nathan Schmidt, who rides his bike and the bus. "I'd probably say I drove 4, 5 times that before I started doing this.
Tuesday goes by smoothly.
Wednesday I get a ride from my workout partner to the farmer's market and then to the gym by work.
The regular bus schedule ends at 6:30; after that it's appointment only. Instead of that, each night I try to cajole my co-workers for a ride. By Wednesday night things are getting tense.
Well, at least I'm saving money.
But Thursday, I definitely lose out on time.
That day the bus is running late, and I just miss my connection. So, I have to walk the last half mile to the gym by work. Still, I talk to people who wouldn't trade the bus for a car.
"Yeah I live in Brookfield area, and I ride down to the bus stop and take it into the Docking building," Nathan said.
On my day off -- despite the rain -- I head to the grocery store. It's one simple route and no need for transfers. I use some advice I got from Eric earlier in the week.
"I never get that many at one time. So, I go back and forth to the store a couple times a week," Eric said.
So, I just get the bare necessities at the grocery store and head back home on a wet dreary day. It would be the last of my time in Topeka without a car.
So, how did I do?
The bus pass is $33 a month. So, for my week it cost me $8.25. Usually I use a tank a week, which is about $51.00 so I saved $42.75.
Here's what surprised me the most: How friendly the busing community is and that it can be quite convenient once you understand the system.
From my house, I can get very quickly and easily to Wannamaker where I can find everything I need. And if you go early in the morning, the buses run really fast and efficiently.
Correction: The price of a monthly bus pass was incorrect.
Comments
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Jul. 27, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)silverfox (anonymous)
interesting story but could you do it for 90 days or in the winter
Jul. 28, 2008 at 9:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)savor_every_moment (anonymous)
I would happily use the bus as often as I possibly could, if the bus came anywhere near my house. I live near 29th & Urish. The closest the bus comes is 29th & Wanamaker, and I'm not walking that far with 3 kids on a beautiful day, let alone a hot, rainy, or cold one.
Jul. 28, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)frances (anonymous)
GEEEEEEZE! I can't believe how much she saved. Makes me want to take a closer look. I see people using the bus all the time. I gues they are doind their part to make Topeka Greener. Maybe I can, too.
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