Post #49 Frugal Travel: Local Transit?

As a long-time traveler, I often pre-think (pre-plan) some of my destination’s options, to the extent I have time to internet search. I give this process lots of time to percolate before the trip; I find that numerous questions will occur to me. With lots of lead time, I can more leisurely search a few questions at a time.

Now that I may be semi-retired (not quite sure yet)(& want to keep writing of course), I have extra time to research. For an upcoming trip, I have been examining *local transit* offerings in 2 different states. I’m also looking to benefit from a seniors reduced rate.

By checking online & making a few toll-free calls, so far I found that:
1. I can show i.d. proof of age to obtain a seniors transit card at designated locations (then seniors rate: up to 60% lower); &
2. I may be able to show that same (reduced rate) transit card in other USA cities in the future for a seniors rate.

Here’s a notable low cost transit example: in one (very popular) NV vacation city, instead of paying for a private bus transfer from the airport to hotel (up to $100 per person), a public transit express bus goes regularly from right inside the airport. Going one stop on this local transit bus takes me very close to my hotel & cost of this transit ride = $2 (or $1 with a seniors card).

Of course, whenever possible & appropriate over the years (when an airport locale has them), I also book hotels near the airport that provide a free shuttle bus between airport & hotel. Even better sometimes: breakfast also included in the room rate.

I was motivated to check for local transit to airport in NV & CA because in my own city, we have fast & relatively inexpensive light rail transit that goes from right inside our airport to a downtown centre transit hub station. This light rail line was somewhat purpose-built when we hosted the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada (for going to/from our airport) .

So I have started checking my destination cities & am confirming that other international airport cities also have light rail transit from their airport. These are usually set up as tourist-friendly (e.g. one can put cash or credit card in the machine for a ticket, & sometimes there are transit attendants who will help with process & local knowledge questions).

& Bonus: airport light rail transports can be the fastest ground travel into a city centre, because of not getting delayed by city/rush hour (auto) traffic or other car traffic slowdowns.