Nicole E.

Where do you work and what is your role in the company?  

Puyallup Public Library - Library Director

How far is your commute? How long does it take you each way? 

26-32 miles each way. 45 minutes - 3 hours depending on traffic.

What is your commute mode and what made you decide to commute this way? 

I drive an Intercity Transit Vanpool from Thurston County to various points in Pierce County. This started as a way to save wear and tear on my old, but beloved jalopy, as well as to save money. However, the longer we vanpool, the better I feel about us minimizing additional cars on the road - better for the environment and better for all the other commuters traveling past JBLM during rush hour times.

What do you enjoy about your commute (or teleworking)? 

I love saving money for myself and the riders. And I feel like I am minimizing the traffic problems that regularly spring up along the route. And I really enjoy the folks I ride with. Plus, with the money saved, roughly $3000 for the year, it helped us reach our goal of visiting Switzerland! The attached picture is my husband and I with our friend in from of the Matterhorn!

Do you have any positive, interesting stories from your commute? 

To honor quiet time and to keep it socially low key, we opt to listen to podcasts or riders can wear earbuds. We all vary, and some days peace and non-engagement is the best gift we can give each other. 

Do you think you save money by commuting this way? If so, how much? Estimates are fine. 

I save easily $250 a month with gas and decreased servicing costs for my own car. Combined savings for all of us is roughly $550 per month.

How does your company help accommodate your commute option? (ex: bike racks, free bus pass, vanpool subsidy, flexible work hours, telework incentives, etc.) 

I am so very lucky and grateful that my employer provides a Vanpool subsidy. It really made it easier to take that leap and give Vanpooling a try.

What do you recommend your employer did to assist your coworkers with their commute? 

Quite honestly, I am pleased with the support offered by my employer, the City of Puyallup. From alternative scheduling to bus and vanpool subsidies, they do a great job in supporting employees and encouraging us to be mindful of the impact our commuting choices. We also have flexibility in our schedules within the week to accommodate small schedule requests or to adjust based on the needs of the others we ride with, to maximize shared commute days.

What would you say to your fellow employees to inspire them to try using a commute option other than driving alone in their car? 

It doesn't hurt to try! Any minor adjustments are far outweighed by minimizing driving stress and saving money.