Based on the US Census Data on commuting, around 8% of workers in the US commute for at least an hour. If you’re about to join that percentage, be ready to battle with the strain and stress that commuting brings, especially the long ones. In Chicago, most residents who travel long distances haven’t much choice in the matter. Others settle for the commute as a necessary trade-off, swapping time for cheaper housing costs.

If this is your first time to commute, here are things you can do to help you survive your own version of a commuter nightmare.

• Experiment.

If you choose to commute by means of a cab, optimize your travel times and routes. Try leaving at different times each day to find out if you can shave at least 10 to 15 minutes off your travel time. You can contact a taxi company (check us out at Universal Taxi) and ask the driver to pass by different routes each day to see which way is best to avoid the rush hour traffic.  

• Try different public transportations.

If your long commute is unavoidable, pick the right form of transportation. Instead of driving yourself to work, why not hail a cab. If the daily taxi fare is not within your budget, switch it up by taking the L or the bus every now and then.

• Use commuting tools.

There are tons of applications available specifically designed for commuting. Install everything you need – from Google Maps to the Universal Taxi app – to educate yourself about the roads you’re traveling, even if you’re not on the driver’s seat.

• Learn new things.

Whether you’re the one driving the car or being driven, your attention is focused for that stretch of time. Take advantage of the opportunity: listen to audio books or learn a new language. If you’re a passenger, you can even finish your reports or plan your day while in transit.

• Make it a social event.

According to experts, among the negative effects of commuting is decreased social interaction. If it’s possible, look for a travel buddy to pass the time in conversation.  The commute will feel shorter and less annoying.

If you’re taking the cab, feel free to chat with your driver. We aim to please our passengers so we try to keep abreast of current situations – from Chicago weather to Illinois politics. If you’d rather be quiet during the ride, you can stay in touch with your loved ones using your phone instead.  

• Entertain yourself.

There’s no reason why you can’t spend the time traveling on a pure indulgence. Use this inescapable downtime to listen to your guilty pleasure songs or radio talk shows. Alternatively, you can use the idle time to mentally plan whatever it is you need to do when you get home or the next day.

It’s inevitable that you’ll get tired or drained, especially for the first few days of your daily commutes. But, if you psyche yourself well and with an army of travel resources and tools, you’ll eventually get used to it. In time, you may even enjoy the journey.