Reasons People Avoid Public Transport
In this era of high fuel prices and concerns regarding climate change, we are often encouraged to use public transportation. And from the standpoint of preserving our precious environment, it seems reasonable. If we all made use of this means of travel, it stands to reason that there would be less cars on our roads and thus less greenhouse gases going into our planet’s atmosphere.
However, a problem exists. Many of us simply don’t wish to use public transport, and there can be many reasons we prefer to drive ourselves from Point A to Point B.
Public transportation can be inconvenient. Regardless of which method is chosen, a person must abide by a schedule that oftentimes conflicts with their own. Once an individual boards whichever type of vessel he or she has chosen to travel in, the journey can be further delayed as it makes numerous stops en route to drop off and pick up other passengers. Moreover, in many situations, such transportation is not even available, and thus what results is either a trip to the nearest bus depot, train station, or airport. Those who drive themselves simply don’t have to deal with any of these issues. They instead can leave whenever they wish from their own driveway.
Those who use public transportation must share a common space with complete strangers. If one happens to be outwardly sociable, this may present no problems, but what about that person who only bathes once a week and has an odor so pungent that anyone sitting within a radius of ten feet ends up being forced to suppress puking? How about the old lady who feels she must discuss her gas pains or describe every detail of her recent gall bladder surgery? Then there are the obnoxious drunks who either effectively lower their IQ by 40 points as soon as they open their mouths while under the influence of their alcoholic beverage of choice; or worse yet, those who try to wax philosophical. Again, when driving alone, these people can be avoided.
This may be viewed as minor, yet is quite important if one happens to be a lifelong smoker. Put simply, smoking is prohibited on all forms of public transportation. Not only is it forbidden to light up while in transit, but also while waiting for the ride itself; provided it is indoors. Only a small number of heavy smokers who must spend several hours at work before that cigarette break arrives are going to be willing to subject themselves to yet more nicotine deprivation by taking public transportation to and from their place of employment in the first place. As for riding a bus or train across the country on a long-distance trip that only stops once every few hours or flying thousands of miles to a distant destination? This is pure torture for those who smoke!
Finally, there are many among us those who simply love to drive. These types of individuals know where their capabilities lie and are thus confident every time they situate themselves behind the steering wheel. Put simply, they prefer to rely on their skills and knowledge of safety as opposed to others. Yes, bus drivers, train operators, airline pilots, and taxi drivers are trained professionals, but there is no way to know what kind of personal issues these people may be experiencing. Are they having trouble at home? Do they have an exemplary safety record? Or is cutting corners more to their liking?
Public transportation is simply not everyone’s preferred mode of getting from place to place. For those who fall into this category, personal independence remains a top priority.
