Commuter's Choice

Now that Mouse is in school, I can make it to the bus stop in time to catch one of the MTA Commuter buses between Columbia and Washington. The question is: do I want to? Let me weigh the pros and cons.

1. Convenience. Metro and bus both deliver me to points within a quarter mile of my office. The parking garage, on the other hand, is in my actual office building. The bus has limited departure times that can cramp my style. Advantage: car.

2. Cost. Driving to work costs about $33/day including gas. Driving to metro and riding in costs $19/day, part of which would be subsidized by Uncle Sam if I ever remembered to pick up the metrochecks. Driving to the Broken Land Park and Ride and catching the express bus is $10/day, less the same subsidy. Advantage: bus.

3. Comfort. I can eat and drink and sing along with the radio real loud in the car. On the other hand, since the car stereo doesn't like playing MP3s and the iTune adapter thingie makes everything sound like staticky radio, there's not much I want to sing along with. Plus I can't sleep at the wheel, much as I would like to. The metro offers decent seating and sleeping on the morning leg, but by the time I've driven 20+ miles to reach it I'm usually tempted to just keep driving, especially because I know I have to stand for a few stops on the afternoon leg. Despite the cramped seating and ghastly climate control, the bus offers optimal sleep options and (usually) a toilet. Advantage: bus.

Okay, the bus wins. Now if we can just stay in the happy groove where Babushka doesn't rebel against getting the kids ready for school ...