Traffic

The high gas prices are really starting to scare me. Even if they drop again it will likely only be a matter of time before they spike. I have ridden the wave of high gas prices in the past and never once considered grounding my car. But this time it’s different.

I have a van and I figure that, between me and my daughter, gas costs around $500 per month. $500 per month! Do you know what I could do with an extra $500 per month?  Don’t get me started!

I always drive to work because of my early work hours. I have to be here before 5 a.m. and the subways don’t run until 6 a.m. So, if I didn’t take my car, my options would be either the all-night bus or car pooling. Something to consider. 

I know that my daughter would absolutely freak if I grounded the car now, but when she goes away to college in the fall I just might try it for a month or so just to see how it goes.   Now that I think of it, by grounding my car, I could save enough to pay for her college tuition.

I am lucky that, in my area, there are several grocery stores that are quite close by.  I used to ride a bike everywhere.  Maybe I could start taking the bike to the grocery store and do a couple of small shopping trips a week rather than one big one.  Or I could get one of those carts on wheels and walk. 

If I had to go to an appointment downtown after my shift I could grab a Bixi bike. These rental bikes have just been introduced in Toronto and are designed for short trips. Just grab a bike and drop it at the docking station closest to your downtown destination.  There’s a stand right outside Rogers here. There are 80 docking stations around the city with 1,000 bikes altogether.  And the price is very reasonable.

I know this wouldn’t work during the winter months but it’s all food for thought. 

I’m just exploring my options. Because one day in the not too distant future, I just might decide to ground my car for a while.