As I sat on the bus reading my Kindle, we were zipping along in the HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lane.  When I’d occasionally glance up, all I could see were the brakes lights of all the cars parked, er, I mean driving, on the freeway.

The feeling of no driving stress, the ability to relax, not having to leave home any earlier, and being environmentally conscious, all left me with a feeling of smugness.

You don’t have to be a regular commuter to take advantage of the area’s bus system.  Whenever I’m making a trip, I check out bus schedules at the King County Metro site.  Click on the regional trip planner, enter your starting point (I know my nearest Park & Ride Station), enter your destination and the approximate time you’d like to leave or arrive.

It takes just a couple of seconds, and your trip will be mapped out for you, showing express, transfer and fare details.  You’ll get a couple of options, and you can then pick what’s most convenient for you.

Another helpful tool is the Seattle Metro Bus Tracker application for the iPhone.  It’s downloadable for a 99 cent charge.  If can track arrival times and delays of Metro Transit buses, and includes info for Seattle and the Eastside.

This is perfect if you find that you’re schedule changes, you just missed the bus that you planned to, or to figure out what you’re options are on the fly.  Best of all, it’s integrated with Google Maps, so if you are in an area that you aren’t familiar with, you can get precise directions to the nearest bus stop.  Take a look at a demo of the application and see if it can be a help to you.

Hopefully I’ve just taken away a couple more of your excuses not to use public transportation!

Image credit:  flickr

__________________________________________

Post from: The Seattle Traveler