Taking transit provides some obvious benefits, like saving thousands of dollars a year on gas, repairs and car insurance and having the freedom to safely use the phone that’s become an extension of your right hand. But as many Metro Transit employees can tell you, there are many other reasons to Get on Board.
To celebrate the American Public Transportation Association's National Get on Board Day, we’re highlighting some of the unique reasons our employees chose to take the bus or train.
Tell us why you ride for a chance to win a $50 Go-To Card. E-mail [email protected] or share your reason on Twitter using the hashtag #getonboard. We’ll chose three responses at random.
Moments of Zen
My commute acts like a daily meditation. Not having to drive gives me the time and freedom to de-stress by just listening to music in my headphones. This is especially important to me to help me mentally prepare for each day during my morning commute.
Karyssa Jackson, Green Line
Spend some quality time with Harry
Usually I read or do crosswords on my phone – I’m 20 years late but am finally reading the Harry Potter series.
Michaela Ahern, Routes 46 or 74, A Line, Blue Line
Make a BFF
You never know who you’ll meet on board. Recently, I became reacquainted with a friend from college who rides the bus. Now we catch up often.
Steve Baisden, Route 355
Appreciate random acts of kindness
I like how my daughters and I have had random positive encounters with perfect strangers. A lady on Route 10 once gave my youngest daughter a fresh flower from her bouquet.
Jeremy Hop, Blue Line, bike
Togetherness
Every once in a while there are moments with a real sense of shared community. I’ve seen people immediately surround and care for someone who fainted and I’ve laughed along with everyone else when a little kid said something funny. It’s a good reminder that we’re all in this world together.
Glenn Gilbert, Route 61, A Line
Get a breath of fresh air
My commute is sometimes the most relaxing part of the day. It feels good to come into the office after a little physical activity and fresh air, or to catch up on the news or a podcast while riding the train.
Shaun Morrell, Blue Line, Route 21, bike
Earn bragging rights
The benefits for me are immense. I get regular exercise from walking – frequently taking more than 10,000 steps a day.
Jovita Oghumah, Route 768
More room in the garage
My wife and I bought a house near the Blue Line’s 46th Street Station about 11 years ago because we wanted walkable and green areas nearby and wanted to live near light rail. Thanks to the convenience of the Blue Line, about four years ago we started sharing just one car.
Charles Carlson, Blue Line
Find your good luck charm
I had a woman tell me twins are good luck in her culture and asked if she could sit next to us. Another time, my kids were crabby and an older gentleman started singing Sinatra to them. People really identify with children and when they see them on transit they want to say hello.
Christina Morrison, A Line, Blue Line
Catch some zzzzs
It’s a smoother commute both ways with few surprises. Going home, I traded the stress of fighting the traffic for fighting to stay awake, so I didn’t miss my stop. I’ll take that trade.
Mike Conlon, Northstar
Enjoy some "me time”
Riding transit is 100 percent “me time.” I can read, play Candy Crush, catch up on e-mails, or listen to podcasts.
Kecli Stones, Blue Line