All Aboard! Trains: The Alternative Commuting Solution

Commuting to and from the office these days is not only hazardous to your health it can be difficult on your pocketbook. That's why, when there is an opportunity to find an alternative method of transportation that is reasonably inexpensive and accessible, most people are willing to give it a go.

While the largest train-commuting population in the United States is currently in the New York area, cities in California, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, and Florida, are looking into creating new, more convenient railways. And while Washington, D.C. can also boast a large train population, Seattle, which already has several railways, is even further ahead of the pack as they work on the creation of a monorail system.

Benefits of Commuting by Train

Along with the obvious benefits of reducing your gasoline costs and improving the quality of your commute time, there are other added benefits to commuting by train.

According to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation, there are 32,000 miles of railroad track in the United States that carry 1,500 trains each day. The goal of BNSF is to protect the environment by minimizing waste. In fact, trains are more fuel efficient and cleaner than trucks on a ton-per-mile basis.

A study conducted at Polytechnic University in Brooklyn from March 2002 through August 2005 researched the impact of commuting by car versus by train on physical activity and stress for commuters from New Jersey to Manhattan. They found out that:

• Train commuters walk more. An average of 30 percent more steps per workday over those who commuted by car.
• Over 40 percent of train commuters walk 10,000 or more steps a day while the same could be said of less than 15 percent of car commuters.
• Car commuters reported a significantly higher amount of stress and bad moods.

Now depending on the length of your commute, there are also other benefits to traveling by train. Naturally, it means you don't have to find a parking space. And in an overcrowded area, that can be worth a lot. Next, if you come prepared, the time you spend on the train can be turned into useful time for business, like working on your laptop, and personal projects, like reading a good book.

Things to Know About Commuting by Train

If you are a first-time train commuter, keep in mind that there are some things you need to know about train travel.

First and foremost, there are different types of commuter trains. Many cities throughout the U.S. have some type of local metro transit system which offers commuters a light-rail commuter service. However, other cities offer regional commuter trains such as the Long Island Rail Road, West Coast Express, and Amtrak for longer commutes generally between the suburbs and major cities. Aside from the local light rail services, there are about 25 of these commuter rail services throughout the U.S. and Canada. And, of course, don't forget there are subway trains, too.

Next, know your schedule and the cost for your commute and be sure to have the right change. Depending on where you live, you can find information about your local train or metro service by looking in the Yellow Pages. While some trains offer food cars, most do not allow smoking. You can generally use your cell phone and personal entertainment as long as you are not disturbing your neighbors, though some trains offer quiet cars where you can get away from it all.

Commuting by train is a great alternative to driving everyday. It's just a matter of finding out what works for you and what is available in your area. However, with a little research, and maybe some legwork, you can find the best solution to your commuting needs.