Transportation has long been a key area of interest to geographers. How do people, cars, commodities and information move through the environment, how are they linked and connected, and what's the best way to get things from here to there? This last question is particularly important in rapidly growing urban areas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. More people means more roads, wider roads, and more construction. So, why stay attached to your car? Convenience, habit, culture?

Today, I asked myself that question as I rode the DCTA and DART trains from Denton to DFW airport after living in Denton for four years. So, why have I stayed attached to having someone drive me to the airport? I don't know exactly, but whatever it was (note change in tense), it doesn't make sense.

The pluses: I rode on relatively empty, clean, and comfortable train cars to DFW airport. I waited a total of 10 minutes between trains. I walked, and lugged my luggage, less than a block during my train transfers, once at Trinity Mills and then again at Bachman station. The train signage was clear. The train was punctual, and I got here exactly as planned. Once at DFWs' terminal A, I checked in, got on the Skylink and was at my terminal in less than 10 minutes.

The train fare cost $5. There was no $12 daily parking fee and no $2 drop-off fee. It saved my husband at least one hour on the road, although with construction these days, no one really knows how much time you might spend on I-35. Finally, I saved myself some anxiety. No cars to yell at, trucks to be frightened by, or swervy construction lanes. It was relaxing, easy and fun. I could read, work, people watch, and just sit.

The minuses: Sure, sure, the total train ride time was approximately 95 minutes (one hour and a half), BUT did you just read the previous paragraph?

All in all, if you're traveling to DFW airport Monday through Friday, it's 45 minutes more than what you would normally travel IF YOU WERE LUCKY. But the benefits--personal and environmental (fewer cars means less CO2 in the atmosphere)--are huge. And if I haven't convinced you, then break out the geographic adventurer in yourself and break the addiction. Ride the train. It's an experience worth having.