We’re Out and About!
Name: Jaime Dwight
Commute method: Carpool
Days spent commuting each week: 5
Q: Why do you choose to carpool?
A: My husband and I work at the same company so it makes the most sense to carpool together. I like that I get to spend time with him in the mornings and evenings, but I mostly like that we save so much gas money! The 20 minute drive is also a nice way to wake up and enjoy coffee while winding around a lovely country road. We also pass by our wedding site every day [Edna Valley Vineyard]!
Q: Would you recommend carpooling to others?
A: Yes. We take the back roads by Orcutt and the views are phenomenal. We don’t always get a good sense of the seasons living here on the Central Coast, but watching the dramatic transformations of the vineyards from season to season is a beautiful thing! You see something different every day, and it’s a more enjoyable experiencing the views with someone else.
Name: Buddy Cruz
Commute method: Vanpool
Days spent commuting each week: 5
Q: Why do you choose to vanpool?
A: I vanpool simply to save money!
Q: How long have you been vanpooling?
A: I started vanpooling 20 years ago as a new employee [for Caltrans] back in 1991. I started my own vanpool this year!
Name: Jesse Englert
Commute method: Bike
Days spent commuting each week: 5
Q: Why do you choose to bike?
A: I commute by bike because it makes me feel good. I'm refreshed and ready to start the day when I ride into work (even before coffee!). I like that parking a bike in downtown SLO is never an issue and always easier than driving. Most of all, I like being a part of the phenomenal SLO bike community which means often running into friends while commuting by bike.
Q: What’s rewarding about your commute?
A: Commuting on days when it's pouring down rain is always memorable. I invested in rain gear last year and a water proof light system this year so I'm dry and visible during the commute. It's always a bit of a commitment test when I wake up and see that it's miserable outside, to make the decision to gear up and commute by bike, but getting the “that guy must be crazy” look from drivers always puts a smile on my face.
Name: Nicole Adams
Commute method: Bus
Days spent commuting each week: 3+
Q: Why do you choose to commute by bus?
A: I like the bus because I can spend my time reading, enjoying the scenery or catching a short nap. It also helps save gas money and minimizes the miles I put on my car.
Q: What is one word that describes your commute?
A: Calming.