My previous job required a car; I drove all over the city and metro area to see people at their residences, took them to doctor’s appointments, to the grocery store, etc. I spent about five hours a day in the community and in local traffic, and I put 900-1200 miles on my car each month. My patience for the road wore thin.

Having skills trained people to use the buses, I have to say in this city it’s extremely inefficient. I took a client from his home off Braker near I-35 to south Austin, where there was a facility for disabled people on S. 1st St close to Ben White. We caught the first bus at 9:30 a.m. and arrived at our destination near noon. We spent a half hour there, and then began the return trip. We didn’t arrive until 3:00 p.m. Many bus stops had no protection from the summer sun, and for the disabled, elderly, and those on certain medications, intense exposure can become problematic.

Public transportation — the way it is currently set up — isn’t feasible or worthwhile for most people. I doubt it will change much. Until it does, the suggestions listed in the post might help people to better manage their time on the road.

Thanks for the link to the mobility reports.

Personally, I find it much harder to stay upset about poor driving while cycling, even though I’m at greater risk of harm.

The mobility report for Austin can be found here: http://mobility.tamu.edu/ums/mobility_data/tables/austin.pdf