I have always loved living downtown.  Being able to walk or bike to the places I need to go is not only convenient, but it’s also cost effective.  However, if I ever had the misfortune of living in the suburbs, I’d definitely look into slugging.

Slugging  (also known as “casual car pooling”)  is a unique and cheap way for individuals to commute into and out of urban areas.  It involves waiting in a “slug line” at a designated point and effectively hitch-hiking downtown.  

One might wonder why anyone would bother to pick up someone they don’t know?  The secret is that the driver and the “slug” actually form a symbiotic relationship.  You see, the individual slugging gets a free ride into the city, while the driver (when he or she picks up enough people) gets to use the carpool lane.  Thus, it’s a win-win situation for everyone.

Below is a link to a video on Youtube about slugging.  As you will see, it’s hosted by Jeff Yeager himself (if that tells you something about it’s cheapness).  Enjoy!

Slugging 101