Try Parking It

It was a big switch when we first became a single car family, but we have adapted our schedules and behaviors over time to make it work.  It takes a little longer to ride the train to work than driving when traffic is light, but the train isn't bogged down on heavy traffic days and maintains a very consistent schedule.  We've seen significant fuel savings during the constant climb of gas prices.  We've reduced wear and tear on our vehicle and eliminated the mental wear and tear of navigating the daily crush of rush hour insanity, instead I've enjoyed the opportunity to read and relax.

My company pays for our train passes and requested that we should track our miles on a local website to see how much our company was using mass transit, how much money we saved, and how much we lowered our emissions.  We have not seen any companywide numbers yet, but as I updated my commute log this week I was relatively impressed by my records show below. 

For the record:
I'm not under the impression that my commuting practices are going to save the world, particularly when considering the number of other drivers, not just locally or regionally, but worldwide. I am completely frustrated to the point of insanity by the smug smiles of condescension from both sides of the "Global Warming vs Natural Climate Change" arguments.  Everyone is an expert.  I just like that I'm saving some money and getting some down time to read, and think it's pretty reasonable to avoid knowingly putting poisonous fumes in the air when there is a sensible alternative.  My viewpoint on global warming doesn't change my preference for clean air over smog, and my opinions are not dependent upon whether a (D) or (R) appears next to our puppet politicians names.

Since October 2010, I've logged 3636.00 miles and prevented more than 2642 pounds of pollution from entering the air. The table below shows how much I've saved by using an alternative commute:
Trips Reduced: 85
Total Miles Saved: 3179.28
Gallons of Fuel Saved: 151.4 1
Money Saved: $1,716.81 2
Calories Burned: 0 3
Emissions Reductions: VOC: 1791 grams, NOx: 1562 grams, CO: 53 lbs, PM: 36 grams, CO2: 2582 lbs,SO2: 22 grams

1.Assumes 21 mpg based on Official Energy Statistics from the U.S. Government. 2.Uses AAA's Average Annual Vehicle Ownership/Operation cost of $0.54/mile starting 10/1/09, $0.522/mile prior to 10/1/09.
3.Uses calorie assumptions from NutriStrategy.
4.Gas Auto vs. Electric Vehicle Emission Comparison