Why I Love the Sounder

Mt Rainier and Pumpkins, from the Sounder window

I knew I had to find a way to do it, as I sat in traffic on I-5 or 167.  I am fortunate to have a Sounder stop in my hometown.  Then there is the problem of getting to work from the Sounder station.  Was there a bus?  Yes, but only a few in the morning and a few in the evening.

Taking public transit involves leaving the house before 6:30 AM for me.  After many months of thinking about it, studying route maps, setting my alarm early--only to tap the snooze button--I did it.
So, do I save time by taking public transit?  No, I don't, but I love it and after experiencing it happily pop out of bed early in the morning to get on the Sounder.

Here's why--it's all about quality over quantity:

1. I get to relax!  I meditate on the Sounder in the morning, while it sails along.  I can read, work, and do many other things with my time that are better than sitting in a car.

2. I don't have to worry about accidents or weather.  As a recent transplant from a smaller town, I'm rather disturbed by the accidents I see so often on I-5.  Plus, when it rains, it slows.  On public transit, I don't have to worry about that.

3. My schedule is consistent.  When I drive, I never know when I'm going to get into the office or get home.

4. Exercise!  The first time I tried to take the train, I couldn't get parking close by.  I found the overflow lot:  a good 10 minutes walk away from the station.  In total, I get about 30 minutes of walking a day.

5. I pay about $9 a day to commute, comparable to the gas cost I pay per day.  However, when I take public transit, I'm keeping those miles off my odometer.

6. Getting to the office early and having it to myself, for the most part--such a nice way to start the day.

7. And of course, I've reduced my emissions.  According to the Federal Transit Administration, transportation represents 47% of the carbon footprint of the average U.S. household (with two cars).

Then, there's the priceless view out the window of pumpkin fields below Mt. Rainier.  I'm glad I took up public transit.  I love the Sounder!