"Hi. I started taking the Xpress/CCT bus from Paulding County to Midtown in May of this year. I wanted to save money on gas and wear and tear on my car. I was hesitant at first, but now I absolutely love it. I look forward to having someone else drive me home every day so I don't have to stay awake! I think of it as my limousine."
—Lisa G.
"When the city decided to work on the 14th Street Bridge, I had to find another way to get to work, because I work in the heart of Midtown. Each day I was going a different route, until I could find the quickest way. Traveling down Northside Dr. and making a right on 10th Street seemed to be the best way. Then, gas prices began to go up every day and when this happened, I decided that the best commute was MARTA. MARTA definitely 'is smarta'. I save tons of money in gas and only have to commute to and from the train station. In the beginning, my commute from home in the car would take an hour to get to work. Now, I only drive about 15 minutes to the train station and MARTA handles the rest of my travel."
—Tamia F.
"Based on a recent move (about one mile from work) I was able to go car-free this past June! I usually take MARTA to work each morning and walk home. I use Zipcar vehicles to make trips to the grocery store, vet, or visits to friends and family. I love not having the expense of parking or maintaining a car and it's fun getting to drive new and different Zipcars around town. After owning cars for 20 years, it's nice having the option not to; I walk so much more, have lost weight, and am saving time (no long commute or traffic!) and money every day."
—Shannon B.
"I have been in the area for 1 year. I started out driving from Acworth to Midtown Atlanta. I now catch the CCT Express bus from Acworth to Arts Center and I love it. I can relax and don't have to deal with the day to day traffic. It was a very wise decision."
—Amy J.
"I was recently promoted to a position that has a steady 7a-4p schedule from a position that had a schedule where I worked all kinds of shift work, weekends, holidays, etc. I used to have to drive every day and park in the local parking garage. This was extremely expensive not to mention the gas cost, wear and tear on my car and the fight to and from work each day. Now I hop on the GRTA Xpress bus every morning and afternoon and leave the driving to them! It's SO nice being able to take a nap or read on the hour commute in and out each day. I'm much less tired and frustrated from not having to do the daily commute myself. I feel like I died and went to heaven!! Thank you GRTA Xpress!!"
—Shaun S.
"I've been taking the train to work for a while now, but it wasn't until gas hit $3.00 gallon that I decided to look at different ways to get to the train station. Now, when the weather is nice, I'll get up a little earlier and walk. I also discovered the bus takes the EXACT SAME route I would normally drive by myself. I really believe most people just drive out of habit."
—Brent F.
"My commute is 50 miles round trip. With the bridge closing, I looked for alternative methods to get to work. I found a vanpool that fit my schedule. I started the vanpool in May and am continuing. The van cut my gas bill in half. I was paying $200 to $250 each month. It was difficult getting accustomed to sitting three to a seat and occasionally climbing to the back row. I did not like being the last one to board the van. The choice seats are most likely taken. Having made a change from one person in my vehicle to 14 in a van and being determined to give it a fair try. I can report that I now like the van. I am not so stressed from bumper-to- bumper traffic to just sitting. I always have a book to read. Some of the other riders knit, ipod, read or just make grocery lists. It is a large transition. After driving downtown since the 70s, I will admit I can't imagine making the trip on a daily basis. My route has changed from 14th exit to Stone Mountain Freeway to Ponce to 5th Street. I do not even think about the trip anymore. Thursdays and Fridays are much easier now than from the stress of driving, plus I do not have nearly as much maintenance on my auto."
—Sandra K.
"I changed my mode of transportation to work a little over a month ago. I work in the midtown area on 10th and Peachtree St. When the 14th St. exit closed down, car traffic picked up on 10th St. and also the Northside Drive area. I tried transit one day simply because I had to go to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport after work one day and needed to leave my car at home. I have been hooked ever since! Simply drive to the park & ride, park your car, hop on the bus and let the driver do the rest. I did not know how the bus could keep a schedule and make it into town on time every day, but it is true. I have been on time to work every day since I've commuted. I know my job is happy about that! It is so relaxing that it's hard to stay awake. You can also have a ride home/or to your car in case of emergencies. Now how great can that be. I've also saved on auto insurance simply by letting them know that I now take transit and only use my car for personal use. Try it; you may be converted just like I was."
—Frances M.
Yes! I changed my commute because of the growing gas prices! I switched to a vanpool and I love it! I have a small child and didn't think I could live without having car access. But, it has been great to be on a consistent schedule that is rarely, if ever, impacted by traffic jams. And the savings to my budget is a true blessing!
—Maria N.
"I started commuting to work via Marta rail on June 1st. The main reason was the cost of gas. I was the kind of person who felt naked knowing my car was not in the parking lot at the office. I have been riding the train to work for over three months now and I am really enjoying the relaxing ride every morning. There are many perks to leaving your car behind. The most obvious is the cost of gas. I have also saved money or my auto insurance and I am getting exercise every day."
—Janis B.
"The soaring gas prices caused me to make a 'quick' change in my commute. I sat my clock ahead one hour and started my commute in on the Marta train. Guess what I LOVE it, not sure if it is the ride or the anticipation of what is going to happen on the ride in. If you want to get a good laugh on a daily basis try MARTA is SMARTER."
—-Marilyn B.
"I found that getting off in my building from the Marta train (North Avenue) has been great compared to driving in. When I began, it was because of construction, now I have the added benefit of saving gas and even more—I walk all the stairs and walk to the grocery store at lunch and have improved my physical health tremendously! Reading a book a week on the train is also added benefit. Although the construction was a headache it has been a way to turn a tough situation into a beneficial one for my commute and for my health!"
—Nancy N.
"I live a 1/2 block from the MARTA station. I was getting picked on by everyone in my condo for not taking MARTA back and forth from work. The second time I put $50 worth of gas in my tank, I said I had enough. Time to throw in the towel. I meet a neighbor every morning and we take MARTA downtown. It has worked out so well. The people on MARTA are very helpful. It's actually kind of fun to change your lifestyle! I highly recommend it to anyone."
—Toby K.
"I took my position at Ford & Harrison late June 2008. I was worried about rising gas prices and bills. Ford & Harrision LLC pays for my ticket to either MARTA or CCT and has been very flexible concerning a better, more environmental friendly way to work! Hats off to going GREEN!"
—Holly W.
"The rising gas prices made carpooling an easier switch (have been sharing the ride for at least once a week since March). Aside from saving on gas and wear and tear, I get to catch up with one of my colleagues. I also have a better chance of arriving to work on time and leaving at a good hour. "
—Ellie S.
"Dear Listeners: As a result of the currently painful, but in the end, beneficial transformation of Midtown Atlanta, I have altered my method of transportation. On an average of three times per week, I drive eight miles to a MARTA train station, and travel roughly eight miles by train into Midtown. I am so relaxed upon entering the office because I've not had to endure the heartship of Peachtree Street or other construction 'road battles'."
—Vickie L.
"In January 2008, when gas hit nearly $3 a gallon, I began using CCT Express from Acworth to Midtown. I only work 3 days, but I was commuting 240 miles per week and spending nearly $300 month in gas at $3 gallon. I save 165 miles per week and have cut my gas purchases more than in half and don't have to stress about traffic! My only regret is that I didn't start using transit sooner!"
—Lisa C.
"Two months ago I gave up driving my car to work every day for an Xpress Bus commute. I travel from Newnan to Midtown. I have enjoyed every moment of comfort, listening to my ipod, reading and napping. I am not sure what took me so long to make the transition, but I am excited about it."
—Renea M.
"I've driven to and from work, 25 miles each way, in an SUV for the last 6 years. The cost of gas and parking for a month easily exceeds the amount I paid for monthly rent in my first apartment. Upon this realization, I decided to give MARTA a try. It was nerve wracking because I had to figure out how to navigate the bus and train system, but once I did, I realized it was well worth the effort. Now, I actually look forward to getting on the bus and train, because I spend this time reading and checking my e-mail. I now have a 'newfound' 2 hours a day that I can devote to myself, and happily, the gas in my tank can last me three weeks instead of 5 days."
—Kerri H.
"I have been commuting to and from West Cobb by car for 10 years. I now take the Express Bus almost daily and I love it. The bus is clean and comfortable, but best of all—the traffic is no longer my problem! I read or nap or both. I arrive to work and home relaxed. No more addiction to having to have my car with me. I actually dread driving in, but there are times that you just have to do so—yuck. Now I guess I need to work on that blackberry addiction!"
—Susan T.
"I used to drive alone to and from work. Once the construction started on the 14th street bridge, I knew something had to give (my building is at the corner of 14th and Peachtree). I started carpooling—first with just one other person, and we have now added a third—and it has made a huge difference! We can ride in the HOV lane and exit on Northside Dr. We take different ways depending on traffic and how adventurous we are feeling. The 14th street bridge project is a HUGE inconvenience, but it has helped me to make a difference. I save gas, time, money and my sanity now!"
—Melissa R.
"I decided to REALLY take a break from the commute, and rented an apartment 1 block from the office. I come into town on Sunday night; drive home Thursday after work; and only 'commute' on Fridays. It's been one month now, and both my body and my car appreciate the break."
—Kathie D.
"In anticipation of the closing of 14 th Street for the bridge construction, I started driving to the MARTA station in Doraville and taking the train to the Arts Center Station. I have cut my travel time by about an hour a day and my savings on gas is more than $100 a month, to say nothing about the reduced wear and tear on my car (and my nerves)!"
—Linda A.
"Thank you for Xpress. Even before hearing about the project, I’d long missed the option to use public transportation to work from Stone Mountain. Being from NY, that’s what makes sense to me. In August 2007, an Xpress line was started from the Stone Mountain area. Unfortunately, I did not find out about it until November, and committed to be on the bus as soon as possible after the Christmas holiday—for my convenience and to set an example for my staff. On February 4, I got on the commuter bus, and would not go back to driving for anything. Thanks again for the 423!!!!"
—Eleanor B.
"I gave up my parking pass and convinced my firm to provide an incentive for those who traded in their parking pass for a MARTA card."
—Alison B.
"I used to pay $85 per month for parking. When the fee was raised, I switched to a less expensive lot. The lot eventually closed due to construction. I switched to a parking lot and was paying on a daily basis. It was a pain to come up with the correct amount of money each day. After speaking with a co-worker who lives near my home, she said she takes the Express CCT bus. She explained her routine and it seemed like a viable option. Another co-worker explained the Commuter Rewards program, so it was even more enticing to try out taking the bus. Not to mention gas prices were going up, plus the wear and tear on my car I thought I could save some money while helping lower pollution. The real kicker was the construction in Midtown including the water pipes, the 14th street bridge plus all the other construction.
I decided to give it a try. I parked at the bus station near the Children's Hospital off Busbee in Kennesaw. The schedule was very conducive to my schedule. I was able to drop off my son at school before proceeding to the bus rider parking lot. I was concerned about the ride home. I have been riding the bus for over 3 months now and have not had a problem yet. I enjoy saving money and helping cut down on air pollution, not to mention not having to deal with the stress and mental drain of traffic. I truly feel like I have found some personal time in my day where I can enjoy music, watch a movie, read or just relax while on the bus. I have kicked myself when I made the mistake of driving in a couple of weeks ago. I dreaded the drive home.
It took some slight adjustments, but now it is a part of my daily routine. I was hesitant of the loss of freedom of not having a car to run errands or leave work when I wanted, but that really has not been an issue. In fact, it has put on a better schedule and even helped my time management. I am glad I made the change and the use of the several programs helped influence my decision."
—Joel S.
