If you want to stay ahead of the commuting game, whether you're carpooling, taking the bus, biking, or walking, check out our tips for success.
Carpooling:
Get acquainted
Have a face-to-face meeting with your potential partners to see if it's a good match before you commit to a carpool. Verify everyone's insurance coverage and check to see if special discounts are available for carpoolers.
Schedule driving responsibilities
Determine how many days members will carpool and who is going to drive and on what days. It may be a good idea to distribute written copies of the schedule.
Plan your route and schedule
Decide where, when, and in what order each rider will be picked up and dropped off.
Agree on financial arrangements
If you don't rotate driving responsibilities, decide how expenses will be shared and set payment dates.
Establish rules of the pool
How long will you wait for a late member? What about smoking, eating, or drinking during the commute? Radio on or off? What station?
Have a back up plan
Agree on an alternate driver or other arrangement to handle schedule changes or emergencies. Consider setting up a phone tree and sharing phone numbers.
Riding the Bus:
Find your route
The Cape Fear region is served by several public transportation provider. Click on the link for your commuting area.
WAVE BTS Jacksonville Transit OUTS The Coast RTA
Once you've found the right provider, use their system map to find the route closest to your home and where you want to go. You may need to ride more than one route to reach your destination. If you need help, call your provider. They're happy to assist you.
Choose your travel time
Use the schedule to finish planning your trip. Make sure that you're looking at the right day of the week, time of day, and direction of travel.
Find the location marked on the map (called a time point) closest to your trip's starting point. Look on the schedule to see when the bus will arrive there. The bus will make stops at other locations marked by a bus stop sign. If your starting point is between two time points, use the schedule to estimate when the bus will arrive.
Be ready with your fare
Check with your provider to find out the fare and whether exact change is required. Include costs for any transfers required. You might want to consider any money-saving passes offered.
Catch your bus
Arrive at your stop 5 minutes early. Make sure that you are on the correct side of the road for the direction you want to be traveling. When a bus approaches, check the route and destination sign above the windshield to see if it's the one you want. Wave to the driver to request that he stop. Pay your fare as you get on the bus. Ask for a transfer if you need one.
Getting off the bus
Watch for your destination. About a block before your stop, signal the driver by pushing the yellow touch strip or pulling the bell cord. Remain seated until the bus stops and exit by the back door if possible.
Don't forget to check out about the additional benefits you'll receive as a Way2Go Club member.
Biking:
Find your route
View maps of bicycle paths and lanes in our area. Click here for more route maps and info. To extend your ride, you can Rack-n-Ride your bike on any WAVE bus and some Coastal RTA routes.
Do a quick maintenance check before you ride
Check tires, handle bars, seat, pedals, fork, gears, and chain. Look for any loose nuts, bolts, or screws.
Always wear a helmet
Obey the rules of the road
Go with the flow of traffic. Stop at stop signs and red lights. And use hand signals to indicate turns.
Bike defensively
Watch for vehicles turning, passing too closely, and coming out of driveways. Be alert for doors opening from parked vehicles.
Like to ride with a partner? Check here for instant bike buddy matching. And don't forget about the additional benefits you'll receive as a Way2Go Club member.
Walking
Make A Plan
You don't want to rush to your destination all the time, schedule a time to walk and make a route. Stick to it.
Click here to find pedestrian routes in our area.
Be Safe
Find a walking buddy, it's more fun and a great motivator. Avoid paths that are uneven or dark. Obey all traffic laws. Whenever you share the road with traffic, walk facing on-coming traffic. If you walk at night wear light-colored or reflective clothing, vests, arm-bands, or hats. Take one ear away from the MP3 player, you want to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Carry a cellular phone and personal identification with you.
Hydrate
This is very important! You can carry a water bottle on your route or you can arrange your route to ensure you have access to good clean water. Prior to or during your walk do not drink things that will dehydrate you, such as coffee, alcoholic beverages, or sodas. Dehydration can be a huge problem that can lead to death.
Prepare
Do a light stretch for a few minutes before and after your walk.
Watch Your Stride
There actually is a proper technique to walking. Keep your chin up and your shoulders back; swing your arms as you walk, this will increase the intensity of your walk. Walk in a way so that the heel of your foot touches ground first, then roll your weight forward.
A common mistake for novice walkers is lengthening the stride to increase walking speed, called overstriding. This method will burn more calories, which could be a good thing, but will tire you out before you get to your destination. Try concentrating on a powerful push off while the front foot lands closer to the body.
Wear The Right Clothes & Shoes
There are many types of sneakers to choose from, if you are walking you are obviously going to want a walking shoe. Try to choose a pair that has a flexible sole, is breathable, and is comfortable. Dress in layers, wear sunscreen, and a pair of sunglasses or hat.