[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Zalitack_Dave.jpg” caption=”Dave Zalitack has replaced his car keys for a bus pass.”]Editor's note: The following story is the fourth in a series of commuter profiles by the Alternative Commuting & Transportation Office.

Dave Zalitack was fed up. Not only was he paying Dalton McGuinty, Paul Martin and the folks at PetroCanada and TD Canada Trust to keep a second vehicle on the road, but he was paying McMaster to park it. He could think of a few better things to do with his money.

Zalitack, an electrician for McMaster's Physical Plant, sold that second car two years ago and bought his first bus pass: a shiny, white, aerodynamic number with magnetic-striping and “Burlington Transit” inscribed in bold letters on one side. He cancelled his McMaster Parking permit and instead swiped that snazzy compact card each time he wanted to ride Burlington Transit to downtown Hamilton, where he could hop on a Mac-bound HSR bus.

Zalitack describes riding the bus as “nice and easy”; he appreciates that the responsibility and stress of driving is left up to somebody else and loves being able to get a ride right to the centre of campus where no cars are allowed. Transfers in downtown Hamilton allow him time to do a bit of shopping at a well-stocked bookstore, while hopping on a different Burlington bus or taking Burlington Transit only as far as the downtown Burlington bus station offer the option of stops at Mapleview Mall or other errand-oriented destinations.

In September of 2003, when GO Transit increased its express service from the Burlington GO Station to the University, Zalitack made the switch from local transit to GO's commuter-oriented service. The 20-minute trip has cut his travel time significantly. During the winter, he takes Burlington Transit to the GO station on Fairview St; it costs a piddling 50 cents for those who show their GO ticket or pass. In the summer, he saves his 50 cents and walks or rides his bike to the station. But the savings don't stop there. Because walking and cycling are now integrated into his regular commuting routine, Zalitack has been able to cancel his gym membership.

Speaking with Zalitack, one very quickly understands that handing in a McMaster parking permit is about increasing options, not limiting them. Walking, cycling, Burlington Transit, GO Transit and driving are combined in various ways to make his commute flexible and responsive to various needs: his family, his work schedule and the weather.

So he's sold the second car, cancelled the gym membership, and in good weather pockets the 50 cents he'd spend to ride Burlington Transit to the GO Station and walks or bikes instead. What exactly is Dave Zalitack saving up for? Why not get on the GO from Burlington to Mac: you'll have plenty of time to relax and ask him about his plans.

The ACT Office is again offering a discount on a monthly HSR bus pass to employees working on any McMaster campus. Purchase your February pass at Compass Information Centre in MUSC for $52 instead of the regular $65. Visit http://ACT.mcmaster.ca for details.