Name: Kai
Occupation: Vice President, Loan Review
Employer: Columbia Bank
Gets around by: Vanpool
Where do you live and where do you work?
I live in West Olympia but work in Downtown Tacoma. It’s 31 miles, and if I were driving alone, it would be very difficult to really relax – especially during rainy periods.
How do you get there?
I’ve used the vanpool to get to work Monday through Friday for the past two and a half years. At first, my biggest hurdle was the idea of riding in a vanpool with strangers. They all knew each other from their current job and at first I felt like an outsider. Boy, was I wrong! They were very welcoming, made me feel comfortable and were very open to answer any questions I had about the vanpool.
How does it all add up?
I estimate my cost savings to be around $200 each month, or $2,400 per year. That’s a real savings. My company provides a subsidy to those of us who commute this way. It’s also better for the environment.
What’s in it for you?
It’s a much less stressful way to get to work, and I enjoy the time to myself and the ability to relax. The best part of the commute, though, is making a small contribution to the betterment of the environment and – just as important – it’s a lot of fun!