By: Katrina Bruno/Staff Writer
Whether you take the bus, ride a bike, drive or walk to school, there are many ways to get to and from campus. The Golden Panther Express, Metrorails, Metrobuses and Metromovers are just some of the options that can help students cut costs getting around town and commuting to school.
Getting to know bus routes and taking advantage of alternative transportation can benefit students, especially those from out of town who do not have their own vehicles, or those looking to save a few bucks on gas.
In order to be more frugal and green, I decided it might be best to start trading in my car keys for bus fares. Though I hate to admit it, I am stubborn about taking public transportation.
For me, being able to drive my own vehicle, make a quick stop for coffee at Starbucks and blast my music during the commute to the Biscayne Bay Campus is more enjoyable than working my schedule around set bus times.
However, because I now have to commute over 60 miles a day—which adds up to over 300 miles a week — to BBC, I needed to re-evaluate my transportation habits.
Through research, I realized the immense benefits using public transportation could provide, such as saving money on gas and tolls and free time during the commute.
According to the Office of Parking and Transportation, a one-way ticket from the Modesto Maidique Campus to BBC, or vice-versa, costs $2.50.
At the University, there is the Golden Panther Express that provides transportation between MMC and BBC, the CATS shuttle that provides transportation from MMC to the College of Engineering and Computing, and the BBC Housing Shuttle that provides transportation from BBC to Aventura Mall.
In addition to the University having a myriad of options to help students get around town and save money, the available free time during the 45-minute commute gives me an opportunity to read and study.
Around town, there is a variety of ways to get around as well. The Metrobus, which offers transportation nearly everywhere in Miami, costs $2.00 per trip. Furthermore, they are air-conditioned and now have free wireless Internet access.
Additionally, the Metrorail is a 22-mile elevated transit system that covers the area from Kendall to Downtown Miami, also for $2.00 per trip.
The Metromover, a free service, gives transportation access to those traveling through the Brickell and Downtown Miami area.
Public transportation is helpful because it allows students, especially those who are from out of town and do not have their own personal vehicles, the ability to navigate through Miami freely, and to enjoy everything our beautiful city has to offer.
Public transportation is something to consider if you too are feeling the pinch of gas prices.
No matter the way you get around town or to school, it is important to know that there are alternative methods that may help you save time and money while commuting.
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