Get to Know Your City: Take the Bus!

This summer I learned a lot more about Austin. I say it so much, but it's really true that I love my city!

Austin is the perfect college city and the perfect internship city. Many of my adventures in Austin are enriched by the fact that I use the bus to travel 85% of the time. When traveling by car, there's so much you can miss. Taking the bus (or train, trolley, etc...) allows you to discover more of your city. Not only do you have more time to soak in your environment, you are more able to pinpoint local attractions that you have yet to visit.

Generally, when driving by car, you just enter your destination address into a GPS and follow directions until you arrive at your destination. That approach to navigating your city is fine and dandy for getting to interviews, appointments, and jobs on time. But, what about when you're running a simple errand or when you just want to grab a quick snack. Hopping on the bus might take you to your next favorite restaurant or help you discover a dry cleaner that's closer to your home!

Don't let the idea of hassle and frustration deter you from exploring! There are many ways to simplify using public transportation. Google Maps has an option for you to choose public transportation and your directions will be calculated using local schedules. You can also check with your city's public transportation system for an app or mobile site that will enable you to look up schedules on the go.

Think about this the next time you're bored on a Saturday morning! Take a random bus ride and discover your city!

Jewel's Random TidBits - I know public transportation routes can't always take you where you need to go exactly. Another option to help you get to know any city is ride-sharing. I did quite a bit of ride-sharing this summer so look for an upcoming post about its benefits!