Taking transit is space efficient, cost efficient, safer, and can be a very enjoyable experience. One bus can fit the equivalent of 40 cars of people. In other words, one city bus can take 40 vehicles off the road, saving over 140 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions each year. That’s one bus!
Riding the bus can also save you a lot of money. The average cost of owning and operating your car each year is about $8,000. The cost of a year of bus passes in Winnipeg is $855. Driving is almost 10 times the cost of a transit pass! The Government of Canada is also offering a tax credit on transit passes, so you can get even more money back. Transit passes may also be sold at a discount, or available through payroll deduction, at your workplace. Speak to your HR department for more details.
Transit is also a safer form of travel. By riding the bus, you are ten times safer than you are in a car. Plus you can reduce your stress levels on transit, making your heart happier. You do not need to worry about fighting your way through traffic; bad weather is of no concern to you; and instead of scraping off your car and sitting on that cold, hard seat while you shiver in –30°C weather (because idling is NOT an option), you can get on a nice warm bus and relax. No need to circle the block 5 times looking for a parking spot, so you can worry about feeding the meter or getting a ticket. Taking transit gives you the opportunity to relax, read, prepare for work or school, or catch up on some sleep. So try transit: for your health, your pocketbook, and the health of the planet
