These are real Stanford testimonials on the benefits of alternative transportation. Most of these submissions were entered during our 2006 "Commute Hero Love Stories" promotion. Got an alternative transportation love story to share? We'd love to hear about it. Email us at commuteclub@stanford.edu.
I enjoyed walking to work when I could, but it is about 4 miles from my house in midtown Palo Alto to where I work at the Medical Center, so I rarely took the time. I discovered a great alternative, though. The Marguerite goes to the California Avenue Caltrain station which is just a little over a mile from my house, so I can walk there in about half an hour, then ride the Marguerite "C" Line directly to the Medical Center.
Besides the satisfaction of lightening my contribution to the fossil fuel and asphalt culture, this alternative commute has had some great side benefits. First, I get an hour of healthy walking in each workday - a needed antidote to a too-sedentary job. Second, my hobby is birding, and my walk through the Palo Alto neighborhoods gives me an hour a day to indulge my favorite hobby - a double bonus!
Throw in the fact that Stanford pays me not to drive, and my alternative transportation routine has been a huge win for me!