Name: Anna
Occupation: Graduate Student at the Evergreen State College/Intern
Employer: Downtown on the Go
Gets around by: Bus and Bike
Where do you live and where do you work?
I live in West Olympia and work in downtown Tacoma at Downtown on the Go!
How do you get there?
To get to The Evergreen State College from my house in Olympia, I either take the Intercity Transit 41 or ride my trusty road bike on sunny days. To get to my internship with Downtown on the Go, I take the Intercity Transit 41 or 48 to the Olympia Transit Center, and then take the 605 Intercity Express Bus to downtown Tacoma.
On days when my work schedule does not align with the bus schedule (which is only once or twice a month) I will drive to the Tacoma Dome Station, park my car, and take the Tacoma Link to downtown.
How does it all add up? How much money or time do you save?
While taking the bus does take more time than driving my car, I save money on gas, car repairs, and parking. I also am taking one more car off the road, ultimately reducing the amount of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere. When I ride my bike to school, I can typically get there faster than if I were to drive or take the bus, so that gives me more time study or work on projects.
What’s in it for you?
I like to ride the bus to Tacoma because I know I’m saving money, reducing my environmental impact, and reduces my stress by not having to drive in traffic. When I ride my bike around Olympia, I feel more in touch with my community. My ride to school is beautiful and interesting (one time I saw a bald eagle!) Olympia is a great city to bike in, and most drivers are conscious of riders. I’ve also met a lot of friends through a common interest in biking.
Do you have any tips for people who may be trying these modes for the first time?
If you plan on riding the 605 Express Bus from Olympia to Tacoma, be sure to bring some entertainment! I get motion sickness, so I can’t get much schoolwork or reading done on the bus. However, I do download free podcasts to my iPhone. I recommend This American Life or TED Radio Hour. If you are nervous about riding your bike to work or school, find a co-worker or friend who would be willing to ride with you. Or, you can contact Downtown on the Go and they will set you up with a Bike Buddy!