Commuting is an unavoidable part of life for many of us, but it doesn’t have to be a daily hassle. By implementing a few smart strategies and taking advantage of modern technology, you can save time, reduce stress and make your journey more seamless.
Here are 7 ways to speed up and de-stress your daily commute:
1. Travel outside peak hours
If your schedule allows it, adjust your commuting hours to avoid the rush-hour crowds. Have a set schedule? Are there errands near work you can add to before or after your commute so you can adjust when you hit the roads? Late mornings and early afternoon commutes tend to have less congestion, making for a quicker and more relaxing ride. Plus, you’re less likely to encounter delays caused by overcrowding.
2. Use Tap-and-Go for payments
Don’t be mistaken for a tourist waiting in long lines to buy paper tickets. With Edenred’s Commuter Benefits Card, you can take advantage of Tap-and-Go contactless payment options. Simply tap your card at the terminal and you're good to go! It's a quick and convenient way to breeze through transit gates without missing a beat.
3. Add your commuter card to a digital wallet
Why even carry a physical transit card when you likely have your phone in hand anyway? Edenred’s Commuter Benefits cards are now compatible with digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Just link your card to your phone, and you only need to break eye contact with your socials for a moment as you pay at the terminal. No more digging through your bag or worrying about forgetting your card!
4. Use an eBike or scooter
For shorter commutes – or to shorten the walk to your commute – consider renting or buying an electric bike or scooter. They’re not only eco-friendly, but also a great way to bypass traffic jams and shave off minutes from your trip. Less plodding, more zipping around. Many cities now have charging stations and dedicated lanes to make these options safer and more accessible.
5. Check your route ahead of time
Don’t assume your usual route is the best one. Spend a minute or two checking live traffic apps or transit schedules before heading out. Apps like Google Maps or Waze can suggest alternate routes if there’s heavy traffic or delays. Setting aside this time can potentially save you from being stuck in bottlenecks.
6. Set up auto-renewal on transit cards
Avoid the dreaded “insufficient funds” error by enabling auto-renewal on your transit card or app. This ensures that you’ll always have sufficient fare when traveling and won’t risk delays at station vending machines.
7. Be more social on your commute
You might think you prefer a quiet, solitary journey to start your day, but research has shown that people that chat during their commute – even with strangers – arrive happier. Who takes a similar route to you? What if you planned to meet up and travel together? A meet-commute, if you will. (No one fit that bill? Who can you call?) And if public transit isn’t an option, there is always a carpool. Sharing a ride with coworkers or community members can alleviate stress and drastically cut down your commuting costs. Bonus: Fewer cars on the road means less congestion for everyone.
By integrating a mix of technology, planning, and friendships, your daily commute can transform from a persistent headache to a productive and even enjoyable part of your routine. Features like Tap and Go and digital wallet compatibility ensure that you’re making the most of modern conveniences designed to simplify travel. Whether you’re using public transit, driving, or biking, these tips will save you valuable time and energy – so you can focus on what truly matters.
Learn more about how Edenred Benefits can help your organization enrich connections, for good, with commuter benefits and our tap-and-go commuter card.
