I had a short term job on the campus of the big college (ASU) in Tempe, AZ. The job didn't pay for or validate any parking, though. The first week I drove, not knowing much about the public transport. I woke up, drove 45 minutes to Tempe and paid $8 to park for the day (the cheapest parking I could find), and then walked 1500 steps to the actual job site. For many reasons, I was not happy with this.
My alternative was public transport. So for the next week, I went and bought 4 day passes at $4 each. My new routine develeped. I woke up, walked just past my community's gate, caught a bus to the light rail, took light rail to campus and walked 2000 steps to the job site. Thank you Valley Metro Public Transport.
I didn't mind it. It was actually kinda comfortable to sit back and just ride after I figured out the schedule. That is, until the monsoon season reared up and started doing funky things to the weather. And until I realized that the express buses charged extra (discovered when I was trying to board an express bus.) But all these are learning experiences. At least, that is what my inner-cheapskate kept telling me.
Here is an overall breakdown of my experiences with public transport (and AZ weather) from Mesa, AZ to ASU Campus, Tempe, AZ.
::Valley Metro Public Transportation Instead of Driving::
Cons:
- Schedules pre-determined and set.
- Passes had to be pre-purchased for $4 rate.
- Certain aspects out of your control (late buses, full train cars, etc.)
- Wait times between transit stops spent outdoors- which sucks in the rain.
- Some long walking distances between transit point and final location.
- Took 30 minutes longer each way than driving same route.
Pros:
- $6.50 a day not spent to achieve transport (which would be more the farther you have to go.)
- A gallon of gas not burned and no waste/wear to rubber tires, engine, roads, etc.
- Healthier active lifestyle achieved with walking.
- Time in transit was more enjoyable as I could read, type, or talk on phone.
- Met friendly people and noticed things not observed while driving.
::Four Days of Public Transit::
Monday:
Uneventful sunny and warm trip to work. However, I discovered on the return trip that the new line had just opened and the 'end of the line' was 4 miles closer to my home - which is good. However, the last stop of the light rail came in right as the bus I needed left. So I waited for the next bus. When I boarded the next bus to come by, my pass wouldn't scan. I realized I was on the Express bus, which only stopped at select intersections for a faster transport. One of those select intersections wasn't much farther than my bus stop to home, so I rode the bus instead of waiting for another 20 minutes outside in the heat for a local bus, The bus driver let me get on, even though my pass card gave a read error. It was only writing this post that I realize my card didn't scan because Express buses cost an extra $2.50 a day. I say a little thank you to that bus driver, as he could have told me to take a hike, quite literally, but he just let me get home.
Tuesday:
I brought my umbrella on Tuesday because it looked like it would storm. I ended up using it as a shade umbrella walking back to the train because it was unbearably hot and sunny. I did, while walking, see more sewer squirrels, as noted in this photo from my car window on my first day at work (when I drove).
Wednesday:
I had to walk double time to get to the station and in the train before the cloud of dust rolled over me. Dust storms are pretty common this time of year, and I realized how much I took for granted driving my car through these when others are stuck outside waiting for a bus. I got home before the heavy rains hit.
Thursday:
I was gonna bring my umbrella, then said, nah, it's another hot and sunny day. And it was. Until 3:50pm, 10 minutes before I got off work. Then the thunder and lightening started going off and the heavens opened up. I put all my 'keep dry' items in a plastic shopping bag, tied it shut, and got absolutely drenched getting back to the light rail. The first train that came was so full it wouldn't let anyone else on. So all of us on the platform shivered and waited another 20 minutes for the next train to arrive. I stood in the packed train car, slipping on the water that pooled around everyone's feet. I was cold and wet and not comfortable.
::Over All Experience::
For all my trouble and transport, I saved myself from driving 28 miles every day (which is about a gallon of gas), avoided wear and tear to my vehicle, pocketed $4 a day by not parking, and got my exercise in. I don't think I could do public transport to any but the obviously easy routes, as my joints and lungs didn't like the longer hikes, but I was definitely glad the public transport system was available to me for the duration of this job. I didn't have any trouble with the people on the bus and even met some nice folks and shared in some laughs and conversations. I also got some reading and writing done. Overall, I enjoyed the experience, but plan to never be caught without my umbrella again.
This is what that looks like. And this ---> is what a photo will look like in the new design. And this is what my supper the other day looked like. If you haven't tried to make your own miso soup yet, I highly recommend it. It is quick, easy, and tasty, and the ingredients aren't much to afford if you go to your local Asian market. Which I recommend you do for other things as well, if you like saving money. 
