subject: Winterize Your Work Commute [print this page] Even in the best of weather, the morning commute to work can feel like a thrill ride gone wrong. The driver in front of you is driving too slowly, the person behind you is trying to drive over the top of you, and from all sides reckless people swerve in and out, careening towards you and cutting you off when you least expect it. And that's on a good day. Ask yourself, is it really worth the hassle?
As winter settles in and the weather becomes unpredictable the commute gets even worse. You find yourself driving on treacherous roads with drivers who don't seem to realize that potential disaster lurks at every turn of the wheel. They continue exhibiting their usual display of chaotic behaviors while traversing areas cloaked by blinding white-outs strewn with patches of packed snow and black ice. Cars slipping sideways and diving into ditches, and wait a minute... is that person driving next to you putting on make-up and talking on their cell phone while driving through this winter wonderland?
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reports that there were 7,713 car crashes in 2011 during snowy or otherwise bad winter weather. Simply stated, driving on winter roads can be very unsafe for the best of drivers. When you factor in all the drivers who do not practice safe winter driving techniques the chances of a weather-related driving mishap increase. But you know something... it doesn't have to be this way. There is a very simple answer: TAKE THE BUS!
First of all, if you care about such things, riding the bus is good for the planet and you'll save money on gas. Aside from those considerations there are plenty of other great reasons to commute via bus. Safety is the prime factor; a professionally maintained vehicle, like a motor coach, operated by a skilled and licensed professional driver is much less likely to be involved in an accident.
Secondly, you have time to relax and enjoy the ride. The bus driver is doing all the work which means you can put on your makeup or call anyone you like... safely! You can text the office and find out if that morning meeting is still on or open your laptop to catch up on reports. Here's a thought - don't think about work at all! Read a book, listen to music, play a few games on your phone or computer while enjoying a cup of coffee. You can even shut your eyes and get a few extra minutes of sleep... life on the bus can be pretty sweet!
The third yet best reason of all; it's easy. Folks who work in Rochester are fortunate and well served when it comes to bus transportation. Professionally operated motor coaches take commuters from many of the surrounding towns such as St. Charles, Stewartville, Byron, Austin, Zumbrota, Pine Island, Kasson and Owatonna, directly into the heart of Rochester. A safe and relaxing ride to and from work can be found very close to your suburban home.
The bus isn't just for those commuting to and from Rochester; from the surrounding areas, there are also routes available to the Twin Cities as well. Once the Rochester commuter has reached the metro area, they can take advantage of the excellent and ever-growing public transportation infrastructure available in and between Minneapolis and St. Paul.
So, this winter, as you slap your alarm clock into silence and roll out of your warm and comfy bed, think about your commute to work for a moment. Is it stressful, expensive and unsafe? If you answered yes to any of these, don't put up with it any longer! Instead, take the bus, and you may find you don't just love it in the winter but all year 'round!
