As the Alamo Area MPO launches its new commuter assistance program, Alamo Commutes, we’ll be profiling smart commuters! This month, Lily (our Alamo Commutes lead) interviewed Linda Alvarado-Vela (our Planning and Public Involvement Manager) about her switch from driving alone to walking, biking, and riding the bus to work.
Why did you decide to switch from driving?
First, I’m very familiar with what the future has in store for us in terms of transportation. Our region is growing so fast and if everyone continues to choose to drive alone the congestion will become unbearable. Second, my son suffers from asthma and vehicle emissions contribute to the creation of ground-level ozone. If I can do my small part to reduce those emissions, then I feel like I’m doing my part for him and his little lungs. Lastly, I felt strongly that as a planner I should practice what I preach. It didn’t feel right to spend my days talking to people about multimodal travel and then drive alone in my car every day. I recognized that I too have a choice and I decided to start choosing differently.
What resources did you use?
My go-to resources are www.viainfo.net when I need to download a bus schedule, Google maps when I need to plan my trip, and VIA text alerts when I’m trying to find out when buses are arriving at a particular spot. Google maps has been particularly handy because it allows me to check bus routes for future trips. For example, if I need to get to a different location tomorrow by 8:00 am, I can plug that in and the app will tell me what bus or buses to take and how far I will need to walk. I can then decide if I want to get my steps in for the day or if it’s a day I’m going to need my bicycle.
What do you like about your new commute?
My commute has become an extension of getting ready. I used to be hit or miss on wearing makeup, but riding the bus gives me the perfect opportunity to put my make-up on, check my emails, take my vitamins, and drink my morning shake. I know some folks think that the bus takes a lot longer but when you’re being productive with that time, you really don’t feel it. Now, when I drive, I feel like it’s a waste of my time because even though I can arrive in half the time, the only thing I can do during that trip is drive.
What have you struggled with?
My biggest struggle has been sticking to a schedule. When you rely on the bus for your transportation needs, timeliness becomes very important. That said, there’s always another bus so even this hasn’t been too bad. I also thought I would struggle with getting my kids to school and still riding the bus but now I just walk them to their bus and walk to my bus from their stop. I love setting a good example for them. We are all responsible for the environment and we can each do our part to leave earth just a little bit better than we found it.
What tips do you have for other people that would like to update their commute?
I think we have a tendency to make excuses. We make excuses about why we don’t have time to exercise or eat right and in the end it’s all about choices. You can choose to change your commute and it can work with your lifestyle if you make it work. I used to tell myself it was impossible or that I couldn’t do it because of the kids. In the end, I’ve found every reason I ever gave for not riding the bus or bicycle or walking was just that – an excuse. Where there’s a will there’s a way. I would tell anyone thinking of trying a new commute to do it. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I’ve found my commute is so much more peaceful and relaxing now that I don’t have to stress about driving in traffic.
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To hear from other smart commuters, attend the Alamo Commutes launch at Walk & Bike Night on Wednesday, October 24 at VIA Metro Center. The open house will begin at 5:30 p.m, and will be followed by the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
If you would like to be featured as a smart commuter, email Lily Lowder at lowder@alamoareampo.org to set up an in-person, email or phone interview.
