Name: Shannon
Occupation: Architectural Designer
Employer: BLRB Architects
Gets around by: Sound Transit Bus & Train
Where do you live and where do you work?
I live in downtown Seattle, but work in downtown Tacoma.
How do you get there?
I choose to ride the bus and look for carpools because it’s just the right thing to do. It was a lifestyle shift to move to a location where riding the bus was more convenient than owning a car. Coordinating my schedule with bus times, walking a block to catch the 594 and designing a flexible commute schedule was the easy part. I’ve been commuting by bus for over a year.
How does it all add up?
My employer contributes $67 each month to whichever commute option employees prefer. I put mine in my ORCA e-purse and use it both for commuting and getting around. After selling my car, I estimate that I save around $800 each month without parking, car payments, gas, insurance and maintenance costs.
What’s in it for you?
It’s forced relaxation time, and an intentional lifestyle shift. I love having exposure to new people and experiences and couldn’t be happier with my quality of life. Commuters would be surprised how vibrant and alive their community is – if only they got out of their cars to experience it.