Let's face reality: to embrace public transportation means to give up control. Give up control of your time. Give up control of many conveniences. Give up control of certain options.
When you opt for public transportation your schedule becomes, at the same time, rigid and fluid. You are at the mercy of the schedules of the trains and buses of the system, so your schedule is rigid. Sometimes the trains and buses don't run on time. So when the trains and buses are not on time, your schedule moves from rigid to fluid -- fluid because now you have to go with the schedule the system gives. But, is this any different than getting stuck in a traffic jam?
Likewise, certain conveniences of jumping in your vehicle and driving from point A to point B are sacrificed. Maybe the ability to avoid the inclement weather, or the need to physically walk any distances -- you go "door to door" when you're in your own car. But, you are still going to have to park your vehicle, and very rarely are you going to be able to park close enough where you don't have to walk. You're still going to be exposed to the elements.
Finally, maybe you don't have certain options that require the flexibility of having your own vehicle. Maybe you can't stay late at work -- you have to make the train schedule. Is this a bad thing? It's a built in reason to get out of work at a descent time. Maybe you don't have the option of meeting at that restaurant for dinner, or the bar for a drink. How about coordinating a linkup at a place near your commuting route?
I think these arguments are offered by folks who have never given public transportation a chance; never really stepped out of their comfort zones.
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