A day with a commuter

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‍Sometimes it’s not so much the commute, but the waiting time itself – and the fact that your time can’t be used wisely – that eats you.

Zhang Sixian, a government employee, spends an average of 4 hours a day to travel to and from work. This includes an hour and a half bus ride, and a 30 minutes subway ride (which includes a change of lines between). All in, it costs her 15 yuan a day.

How does she spend her time on the public transport? She catches up on sleep in the mornings, and listens to music on the way back. She said she would love to read a book en route home, but the subway is usually too noisy and packed to allow her to do so.

That said, while Zhang feels the commute can be a waste of time, she feels she can still take this on for now.

A commuter takes the bus for over an hour daily to get to work. /CGTN Photo

“The public transport system is actually quite convenient. Perhaps during winter when it's cold and it gets dark early, it may be a bit more challenging. But I feel I can still take this on for now,” she said.

“Also, by year end, there will be a subway stop passing through the community where I live. Presently there is none and that's why I have to take the bus first. By then, it will be even more convenient for me,” she added.

Although Zhang has plans to live nearer to her workplace in the city, that plan is not an urgent one. She cited high housing prices as one of the reasons.

“Secondly, it's because I am not married yet so I am currently living with my parents, and my parents live in Fangshan. I'd rather the inconvenience be on me, to go about traveling, than place the burden on them,” she said.

A queue already seen at the bus station early in the morning. /CGTN Photo

As convenient as the public transport system may be, Zhang said there are improvements that could be made.

“There are too many people, especially on the subway. It can very packed, and sometimes I can't even get on it on the first try,” she said.

“There are also way too many cars on the road. If the traffic is bad in the morning, I may even be late for work sometimes. The subway is more punctual, unlike the bus,” Zhang added.

Overview of Beijing city. /CGTN Photo

Beijing is known for its notorious traffic and pricey homes. However, this has not deterred people from flocking into the Chinese capital to look for work.

Against this backdrop, there are many who still choose to live further away to save costs.

At the end of the day, we just have to do weigh the pros and cons of what is available, and make the best out of it, just as in Zhang’s case.