For students, mopeds are best transit option

With Manoa Valley parking permits scarce and the ever-increasing cost of parking on campus, one of the best things a student can do is switch to using a moped for daily transportation.

Considering the high gas mileage, low maintenance costs, and ability to drive around cars parked in the right-most lane, mopeds are many times the best way to get around.

Lower pollution results from the smaller engine, which makes for a more environmentally friendly vehicle. Not only that, mopeds crate less traffic and take up less public parking space than cars.

The ability to lock a moped to a parking meter or street sign saves a lot of time.

Among the biggest drawbacks to driving a moped are the lack of protection and exposure to the elements. Yet the low insurance costs relative to other automobiles allows coverage for both medical and property damage at a low price.

So although mopeds have certain disadvantages, they are outweighed by the benefits, especially when we're in the dry season.