According to AAA, the annual cost to own and operate a vehicle is more than $8,500 or $0.57 per mile. Finding regular carpool/vanpool partners help you to share these costs with other commuters. Switching to bike commuting typically costs less than $1,000 to purchase the bike, a helmet, bike lights, etc. and less than $100 per year to maintain. Annual bikeshare memberships in Ohio are around $75. Depending on your location in Ohio, transit passes typically cost less than $100 per month. Regularly commuting by these alternative modes of transportation will most certainly fatten your wallet!

Increase the amount of physical activity you receive in any given day by building-in physical activity into your commute. By walking to the bus stop, biking to work, or walking to work, you are adding steps to the 10,000 recommended step total for the typical American adult and helping to improve cardiovascular performance. What’s more, choosing active commute modes help you avoid building stress while sitting in traffic. A recent study found that people who ride their bikes to work reported being happier than any other commuters.

Driving is a major source of air pollution. According to the U.S. EPA, mobile sources make up the majority of emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), nationwide. Increasing the share of those who carpool, vanpool, take transit, and bike while also decreasing the share of solo drivers would help reduce total emissions, enhance air quality and improve public health.

Taking transit or joining a carpool, vanpool, or bikepool are natural stages for social interaction and community building. Complete the morning crossword on the bus with your fellow regular riders. Discuss the Buckeyes’ most recent performance while riding in your Vanpool. Commuting together is a great opportunity to build friendships and enjoy others’ company while getting around.

Use your time while commuting to be productive instead of being stuck behind the wheel! Read a book, get a jumpstart on emails, or watch your favorite show while riding on transit, in a carpool, or in a vanpool. Improve your memory, enhance cognitive performance, and maybe even become better at your job while biking or walking to work.