Name: Penny
Occupation: Volunteer Services Program Manager
Employer: Catholic Community Services
Gets around by: Car, Bus, Bike, Walk… you name it!
Where do you live and where do you work?
Live up by the Narrows Bridge, work in Hilltop area.
How do you get there?
Depending on where my work sends me, I use the bus (local and regional), my car, Amtrak, bike, walk, or carpool.
How does it all add up? How much money or time do you save?
I save my agency money when I take the bus to Seattle for work… no gas reimbursement, just the cost of Sound Transit bus fare. I save my own money (for gas, parking) when I go to events up north or around town on the bus. I save time and my sanity when I don’t have to drive in JBLM or Seattle traffic!
What’s in it for you?
I’m chair of Pierce Transit’s Community Transportation Advisory Group, so I ride the bus to gather feedback from other riders and to get a feel for how routes work, general attitude towards transit, etc. I enjoy riding my bike on the Scott Pierson Trail to work and back when the weather’s nice; you get to see the hidden corners of Tacoma.
Do you have any tips for people who may be trying these modes for the first time?
1. Don’t be afraid of the bus! There are online tools to plan your route, the drivers can help you figure out when to get off, and there are always knowledgeable riders on board who like to give advice.
2. Walking or biking might take a bit longer, but it helps you get to know Tacoma… see what’s new, meet your neighbors, check out a local business on your way home, etc.
3. It’s educational. You will soon value the fact that you have choices when it comes to getting around town; there are a lot of people in our community with limited options. And there are more options we could all support to make getting around easier.
Photo Caption:
Penny created a game at her office to encourage her co-workers to try new modes of transportation. The object of the Space Vacators game is to free up parking spaces for clients and visitors, as well as encouraging use of alternative transportation. Employees use an “alien sticker” to track whichever options they have tried: carpool, bus, bike, walk, parking offsite, etc. Names were drawn for small prizes.