How Does Everyone Commute to Work?

[ddr1166]

Hello, again,

I'm so glad we found this site. It's helped us SO much the last couple of days. I don't feel like I'm alone anymore.

How does everyone deal with commuting to work? Our public transportation in Dallas isn't that great (yet), and I can't seem to find anyone who lives in the East Dallas area going north. Any ideas or websites on ride sharing?

Thanks much,
D in Texas

[Endless]

I'm off work for awhile. But if I wasn't, I'd be taking the bus. Our system isn't great here, either, and it would take up to 4 hours round trip plus walking up to 4 miles round trip. On top of an 8-10 hour work day. Ugh. No way I could do that right now. Impossible. So I feel for you.

Call your county transportation system and find out if they have an official ridesharing website or program. That may help. Here's an unofficial site: http://www.erideshare.com/carpool.php?city=Dallas

Try this DART site for dallas. They have some vanpool listings: http://www.dart.org/about/rideshare.asp

Some communities have special transport vans for the disabled. Couldn't find anything like that for Dallas.

[ddr1166]

Thank you! I appreciate it very much. I did call the vanpool number today, but think it was too late in the day (a Friday - ha) for a return call. Hopefully we'll find something next week. So far his work is very understanding and letting him work from home, but he doesn't want to abuse the privilege. Thanks again!

[RobinN]

Rebecca is lucky enough to have her mom to drive her to work. We are hopeful that she will be able to get her permit soon though.

[Loopy Lou]

I used to walk quite a lot but now my work has been moved much further away, so i have to walk some, get the bus and then walk some more. Not much fun when it's getting dark lol.

[epileric]

I also walk everywhere- as a result women have told me I'm one of the few men who don't have chicken legs.

I've also lucked out because where I just moved to is close to a bus loop that has buses on all major routes.

I used to live in a small town in the middle of nowhere that was too small to have public transportation & even though nobody knew why I didn't have a license they were very good about picking me up if I was walking at the side of the road. Even a bunch of people in a cab told the driver to pull over & give me a ride partway to where I was going.

[Nakamova]

I work at home. (Spoiled rotten, I know). I also moved to a location where I can walk everywhere, including public transportation. I have a car, but I drive it as little as possible (fewer than 4000 miles ayear).

[CQ:)]

I do voluntary work but sometimes get the odd bit of casual work a chiropractor.

When i do my voluntary work I will either walk or get a lift.

The chiropractor's hours are different shifts. The morning shifts are usually 8am -12pm or 9am -1pm & the afternoon shifts are 3pm -6pm.
The chiropractor is in the next town to where I live so it's usually easier to get there by vehicle but I do sometimes walk there (takes me about 1 hr to get there by foot).
If I have to start at 8am then I get a lift or get the bus but if I start at 9am or 3pm then I usually walk. If I only have to do a morning shift I will either walk home or get a lift. When I do the afternoon shifts I have to get a lift home because tehre are no buses at that time.

[dfwtexas]

I do drive, but because of lights, I don't drive at night.
You might also check on craigslist, they have a rideshare posting section. I use to ride with a girl I met on there.
Dallas has the worst public transit for such a large city!

[ddr1166]

dfw texas - I know! I've tried checking every train and bus route, and it really doesn't work unless you work downtown. And we live about 5minutes from downtown (East Dallas), and I can't make the system work to I75/Coit. So frustrating! It would take him 1 1/2 hours each way PLUS a walk of about 6 blocks to get to work. It isn't worth it.

I even called Dart's customer service, and their rideshare and vanpool only work if you live/work outside Dallas and are trying to get into Dallas. Or vice versa. Nothing Dallas to Dallas because "the trains and buses cover that." Uh, no, they don't! eek

I've been driving him for now. Cheers, D

[dfwtexas]

The other option is to call Dart and ask about Paratransit Services. Here is a link about this service
http://www.dart.org/riding/paratransitguide.asp
I had a traumatic accident and couldn't drive for a year, I was first turned down for the service, but then got an approval for one year to use it. The bus picks you up at your home and delivers you to your desintation. You do have to have doctor's note about why you cannot use bus service, do an interview, etc...so getting approval is a lengthy process. Also, because it is small bus, you will have several people on bus with pick ups and delivery, so ride can take awhile. But the service can be a life saver...and DART keeps it a secret!

[CathyAnn31]

Nice to have another DFWer here.

I still drive. Its been nearly a year since my last seizure. However, lately I've been applying to jobs that are very close by in case I need to walk. So glad I don't live out in the middle of nowhere!!

I know that doesn't really help, but thought I'd throw that out there. Good luck, and hopefully you'll figure out something soon.