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Public trains are a great way to ditch the car and get to where you're going without having to fill up a gas tank. In an economy like this, spending less money is always warmly welcomed and public trains, by far, are cheaper to use than personal vehicles. Using public trains should be done with finesse, however. You won't think much of the favor you're doing your wallet or the environment if the whole process becomes inconveniencing, so here are some tips for making the most out of public trains, straight from a New Yorker.
- Know the rules
Getting caught double entering with a friend in New York can cost you $100 in fines. Forgetting to swipe out in Washington D.C. will cause you more of a hassle than it's worth the next time you ride. Knowing the rules is an important part of making public trains worth it. You can find these rules on the web site for each city's subway system or often in the stations themselves. - Know the perks
While New York and Washington D.C. have some rules that can cost you time and money if broken, they also have perks. Buying a metrocard over $10 in New York will gain you extra money on your card and everyone in D.C. is allowed one free negative balance per card. - Know the schedules
Most public trains post comprehensive schedules online and in their information pamphlets. You may think the train is running late unreasonably, but the timing is usually part of the schedule. Also, check in for alerts as often as possible. Call the hotlines, sign on to an email list, etc. Being up to date with schedule changes will save you a lot of time. - Be safe
I've ridden all of the major public train lines in the USA (to my knowledge). A lot of people worry about the safety of public trains. For the most part, I haven't experienced any note-worthy trouble. However, keeping yourself safe is important. Keep some pepper spray on you. Make sure your cell phone is always charged. Be aware. If you'd prefer to keep conversations with strangers at a minimum; act accordingly. You might want to keep your sunglasses on while you ride the train, for instance, or keep your music playing at all times. - Know where you're going
One major inconvenience public trains can cause is confusion as to where you're going. Try to study the train maps before you board and always keep a pocket-sized train map with you if you're new to a train system. If you're feeling really lost, however, don't hesitate to ask someone for help. It's a lot easier to ask for help with directions than to try to figure them out yourself if you're clueless.
Taking public trains is great for the environment and most certainly doesn't have to be inconvenient. With a little bit of forethought, your experience with public trains everywhere can be smooth and absolutely easier than driving.
More on public transportation:
How To Go Green: Public Transportation
Public Transportation: By The Numbers
5 Reasons You Should Travel By Train
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