Did you know that if one out of every ten Americans used public transportation on a daily basis, this country could reduce its dependence on foreign oil by roughly 40 percent? According to the Center for Transportation Excellence, riding a bus is 79 percent safer than riding in a car.

Public transportation, or the buses, trains, subways, and ferries that you can ride just to get around or as part of your daily commute, often get a bad rap. But the fact of the matter is that they do ease congestion, reduce emissions, and give you time to unwind from a busy day or get your mind ready to start another one.

If the public transportation options in your area don't suit your needs, write to your city representatives to request that changes are made. If the buses are dirty or unsafe, tell your local officials to do something about it.