Make a chart. On the left side of the page, write the modes of travel you'd like to compare. Make six more columns. Write one criterion per column at the top of the page. Use convenience, comfort, environmental issues, cost and safety. In the sixth column, write "Evaluation." As you study each attribute, give it a value from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most advantageous.
Consider the convenience of the travel type for you. Whether a bus is convenient would depend on whether you are on a bus route and whether the schedule of the buses will accommodate the hours of your work and other activities. Fill in the convenience column.
Define what is most comfortable to you. Give passenger travel modes higher ratings if you do not feel comfortable driving. Give cars or bicycles higher ratings if you feel comfortable going at your own pace.
Investigate the environmental issues of travel. In "The Environmental Impacts of Transportation," Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue and Dr. Claude Comtois set out a model for comparing the effects of transportation methods on the environment. Their main three concerns are direct, indirect and cumulative impacts.
Look to information regarding comparative travel costs. The Victoria Transportation Policy Institute thoroughly graphs and discusses the costs for automobiles, motorcycles, trains, bicycling, telecommuting and mass transit. Look for such information on which to base your rating.
Research the safety of the different modes of travel on websites such as the U.S. Department of Transportation. That particular website lists safety information on aviation, automobile travel, bus and rail transit systems and boating.
Evaluate all the methods by looking at the numbers you have written. Determine which criteria are the most valuable assets to you. Notice which modes of travel scored the highest in those areas. Add the rows across and put each total in the "Evaluation" column to get an overall picture of the results of your comparison.
