U-PASS Profiles

Riding the Train: Profile

(originally published in the Winter 2002 U-Commute News)

Judy Robertson, Lead Coordinator, Publications Services

Sound Transit's Sounder Commuter train service, which began in September 2000, gave UW employees living in Pierce and south King County an additional discounted way to commute using their U-PASS. UW employees are a part of more than 10,000 Puget Sound residents who take the train every week.

Judy Robertson, Lead Coordinator, Publications Services, has always found a way to get to the UW besides driving alone. For the ten years before train service began, her commute trip was two-fold: she drove her car to Federal Way and transferred to Metro's 197 Express bus to the UW. As she puts it, "I just plain wouldn't work here if I had to drive every day."

Sounder Commuter train service provides one-way service during peak hours on weekdays between Tacoma and Seattle. From Judy's home in Sumner it is less than a 5-minute car ride to the train station. She takes the 43-minute train ride from the Sumner station to downtown Seattle. Her total commute time including the train, bus transfers and walking to her office is an hour and 45 minutes. She leaves her house at 6:15am and arrives at 8:00 am and leaves work by 4:30pm arriving home at 6:30pm. Taking the train cuts an hour and 15 minutes off her previous bus commute each week. Her department has been flexible, allowing her to accommodate one of the two trains in the morning and evening. "It can be tricky to squeeze in my train commute and to get eight hours of work." Commuting by bus and train creates discipline. "In my case, there are no buses to Sumner."

With her U-PASS her round trip paid for completely. Using the electronic ticketing machine she selects the appropriate discounted fare. During random checks she shows the conductor her U-PASS. Judy receives additional savings by not parking on campus (almost $200 per quarter) and discounts from her auto insurance, "Since I have been commuting my insurance has dropped $25 a month."

Judy occasionally carpools with people she has met on the bus. When she needs to drive alone, she purchases discounted commuter tickets with her U-PASS for $2.36. Like many who fear they might need their car during the day, initially Judy thought she would run out of the quarterly allotment of 26 commuter tickets. She has been pleasantly surprised that this is not the case.

The train has a very customer-oriented atmosphere, very clean, "just a whole different experience", says Judy. Sounder Commuter Trains are equipped with surge-protected power outlets for computers, modems and cell phones. On one occasion, Judy saw someone pop popcorn using the power outlet. Other amenities include cup holders in every seat, restrooms, water fountains, luggage racks, and storage for bicycles both aboard and at the stations.

In addition to commuting to campus by train and bus, Judy uses her U-PASS to occasionally take the bus downtown. "It's free, and I don't have to find a parking space."

Judy's commute is much more relaxing. "My husband has noticed how much more relaxed I am when I get home. On the train, I already have quieted down. It's a 180-degree difference than driving. I also have developed a community of friends."

Eventually, service will be expanded to run more trains both directions and with longer hours. The Sounder will continue to expand to operate along the 82-miles of track between Everett and Lakewood. For more information about the Sounder Commuter Train visit http://www.soundtransit.org/sounder/sounder.htm

JUDY'S TRAIN TIPS

1. Ask for assistance. There are conductors and guards at every station. They are very helpful and make it easy to learn.
2. Follow the crowd to find the bus tunnel from King Street Station.
3. Take a trial run. Travel with a friend. Once you know the commute routine it's fine.
4. Get to the station early.
5. Be flexible.
6. Enjoy the ride.