SierraScape October - November 2007
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by Cheryl Hammond
Website Committee Chair
Are you reducing your carbon footprint or even thinking about going carbon neutral? Consider this. Each gallon of gasoline your vehicle burns produces 20 pounds of carbon dioxide. Reduce your carbon footprint by getting out of your car and trying Metro.
In July, 2007, MetroLink, the train part of Metro, posted its highest ever monthly ridership, with 2.3 million boardings. Together with MetroBus, Metro had more than 5 million boardings in July. If you haven't yet gone Metro, give it a try it now. Make a commitment today to reduce global warming by replacing at least one trip per week with Metro.
How to get started. The easiest way to find your way around the Metro system is with TripFinder. Start at: tripfinder.metrostlouis.org. Just type in your starting address and your destination address. Adjust the time you want to depart or arrive and click "Search". You will get a list of up to five suggested trip plans. For the origin address, you can type in your exact address or type in an address like Delmar @ Big Bend. If you are going to a well-known location, it often works to just type in the name of the destination. For example, "Zoo" is a valid destination. The five results show arrival time, travel distance, walking distance, and a map of your route.
Experiment with the "Advanced Options" which includes a "fastest route" option, a maximum walk distance option, and some other options to give more flexibility. Combine bicycling, walking, and Metro. You can take your bicycle on all trains, and all buses have a rack for up to two bicycles.
Will it take longer to get there by Metro? It depends on the trip, of course. Reducing our carbon footprint sometimes means taking some extra time. But remember that extra time on Metro is not the same as extra time driving the car. Unlike driving, Metro allows you to multitask your commute to work or other destinations. Feel free to use your cell phone without fear of causing an accident. Listen to your IPOD. Read newspapers, magazines, books, or work materials. Ride with a friend and have a relaxed conversation without having to watch the traffic.
And be sure to plan ahead for the return trip. Check TripFinder for the time you expect to leave and know where and when to get on the train or bus. Don't hesitate to use MetroBus to get to the MetroLink station, or all the way home.
Make a pledge to yourself now. Pledge to reduce greenhouse gases. Go Metro.
Email Cheryl Hammond at info@todaydata.com or Ginger Harris at gingerharris@charter.net for information about more resources for new Metro users.