These Chamber employees all Live Downtown and enjoy the benefits of a short commute – no matter what the mode!
Name: David
Occupation: Metropolitan Development Director
Gets around by: Foot, Car, Link, & Bus
Name: Lynnette
Occupation: Membership Outreach Manager
Gets around by: Walking
Name: Dawn
Occupation: Membership
Gets around by: Walking, Carpooling, Busing
Where do you live and where do you work?
David: I live on Dock Street and work at 11th & Pacific
Lynnette: I live in the Cliff St. Lofts just across the street from the old courthouse, current Post-Office and home to SOTA. I work just two blocks away at the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce.
Dawn: I live in the Stadium District and work at the Chamber.
How do you get there?
David: It’s usually a 12 minute walk, but on occasion it’s a 5 minute car or bus ride.
Lynnette: I walk nearly every day.
Dawn: I carpool often, occasionally ride the bus, and try to walk on days when I don’t have appointments outside of the office. I am looking forward to spring and summer when I will add biking to the mix!
How does it all add up?
David: Not taking a car home each day means I save the $75/mo I’d be paying on parking.
Lynnette: I haven’t crunched the numbers yet, but it seems like I am rarely filling up on gas. The other day I struggled to remember where the nearest gas station was located! It is far easier for me to walk the few blocks than drive no matter what the conditions. Traffic congestion, construction, stoplights, etc. consume a lot of time.
Dawn: Fuel costs are much lower. I find that I stay close to shop and eat when I don’t have a car at work so my transportation costs are minimal.
What’s in it for you?
David: I get a relaxing walk through downtown and along the waterfront to begin and end my day.
Lynnette: There is a great deal of enjoyment in this for me. I enjoy being outside every day, I can stop in at Starbucks on my way and I bump into colleagues and friends all the time. The downtown area is very much my “neighborhood”.
Dawn: I love the walk! It takes me about 20-25 minutes to walk each way and is often the only exercise I get (I am ashamed to say!). I also love the community…window shopping along St. Helens is my favorite and the many happy hours offered along the way!
Do you have any tips for people who may be trying this mode for the first time?
David: I use at least two different modes each week. Even today was a bus ride to work and a walk home. Living near the office gives me a huge amount of flexibility in how I get to work each day.
Lynnette: A few things…don’t underestimate the need for a good coat during the winter months, don’t be ashamed to use an umbrella even though you “are from here and don’t need one”, women should consider their footwear very carefully and watch for those driver’s that don’t look before they turn right on a red light.
Dawn: Enjoy it! Have fun! If you live outside the area try busing in and parking at the transit center and ride the link in. Also carpooling is a great way to save money and create new friendships.