How to Better Your Commute

Nothing drains the soul like a long commute. In the summer, you have to watch a beautiful day roll past you from your seat, while in the  rainy days you get to do the whole thing in darkness. Fortunately, you have more power to improve your travel than you think. New census data have some surprisingly useful information you can use to improve your commute.

Make your voice heard on public transit. Use statistics from the latest census on commute times for your area along with demographics and popular modes of transportation to advocate for positive change in your community.

Do your research. There are plenty of popular online tools and mobile apps that can help you navigate through traffic quickly and easily, rerouting you in real time using your current location to get you where you need to go faster. You can also go old school and listen to the traffic report on the radio before you leave and during the drive.

Compare commute times. Want to know at what time people in your area leave home for work?

Find a neighborhood with like-minded people. For many of us, the ideal commute is less about time and more about method of transportation—preferring biking, walking or taking public transit to work instead of sitting behind the wheel.

www.newscanada.com