How do you get around using transit?
I live about a 10-minute walk from the Blue Line’s 38th Street Station, so I primarily use light rail to get to and from work at the police department. I can also use routes 22, 23 or the D Line, and will occasionally bike or grab an Evie. I work late so having multiple options is helpful. I also use transit to go out with friends or to go to Twins or United games.
Has transit always been a part of your life?
Growing up in Saint Paul, I never had my own car and participated in a lot of after-school activities, so it was either take the bus or ride a bike. After graduating, I served in Poland and relied on the tram, and then moved to Los Angeles where I almost always took transit (I had a car, but a certain point the battery died, and the wheels weren’t round anymore).
What do you enjoy about using transit?
For my commutes, it’s a great way to separate work and home. I spend the time listening to podcasts, practicing Spanish using Duolingo, or just relaxing. And because I use my car so sparingly I only have to fill up on gas about once a month.
How does using transit influence you at work?
As a real time information specialist, I monitor security cameras looking out for things that could go wrong, helping customers, and guiding police. As a rider, it helps to know we have very good cameras and that criminals are probably going to get caught quickly. If I get into a conversation on the train, it’s nice to be able to share that information. And in my work, I pay special attention to quality-of-life issues that are reported to us because I can empathize – if someone calls in and says they left something behind, I immediately locate it and keep an eye on it until someone can retrieve it.
How We Roll celebrates Metro Transit employees who regularly ride transit and other forms of sustainable transportation. Read more How We Roll Q&As here.