Exploring the tradeoffs of daily commute choice

A first order assessment was performed to evaluate the tradeoffs involved in transportation mode choice. A total of six potential modes of transportation were evaluated, including a midsize car, hybrid car, motor scooter, city bus, bicycle, and foot. Each mode of transportation was evaluated for energy use, cost, convenience, and health and safety implications. It was concluded that there is no single mode of transportation that is superior in every way. Nonetheless, a few general conclusions were reached. Biking was found to be competitive with motorized transport for total commutes of six miles or less round trip in good weather. After comparing the modes of transportation across all categories and multiple commute distances, it is not surprising that the personal automobile has become the dominant mode of transportation in the US. Its major negative, energy efficiency per passenger mile traveled, can be increased through carpooling and the switch to hybrid technology. The best option for addressing all four issues however seems to be to encourage individuals to live much closer to where they work.