Stanford Transportation’s 2025 Car-Free Challenge Series
Last fall, we asked members of the Stanford community to ditch their cars for a day, week, month, or longer and take our commute challenge by walking, taking transit, van or carpooling, or biking to work. We received so many fun and inspirational stories we decided to make a year-long series. Share your story for a chance to win one of five $50 Amazon gift cards and be featured in the "On the Move" newsletter. This year-round challenge welcomes all participants; bookmark the entry form and join anytime. Already car-free? Share your insights and inspire others! Consult our Commute Toolkit for helpful tips and ways to save.
Richard Sestokas, LBRE Senior Safety Specialist
Richard has been living a car-lite lifestyle for several years. He commutes via bike and Caltrain from the Panhandle in San Francisco, using his free Stanford-issued Caltrain GoPass. He dresses for the weather, placing all electronics in a waterproof bag, ensuring his work-issued laptop stays dry. At home, unless he’s traveling outside the Bay Area, Richard always leaves his car in the garage. To run errands—groceries, dentist, doctor, essentials, concerts, sporting events, dinner out—he walks, bikes, or uses public transportation. He plans for inclement weather and looks for breaks in the weather to run errands when possible. If not, he carries an umbrella.
Richard recently enjoyed a car-free weekend city break, taking Caltrain to the SAP Center for a San Jose Sharks hockey game while staying at a hotel near the stadium. Everything he needed was within walking distance. Another favorite car-free trip is walking from his home to Sausalito via the Golden Gate Bridge, and taking the ferry home. “It’s a long walk, but it reminds me of the beauty I’m lucky to be surrounded by,” said Richard, adding it’s a great way to connect with his wife without life’s day-to-day distractions.
Richard says...If you want to go car-lite, try just one day without a car and run an errand. By going car-lite, you'll save money, live a healthier, more active lifestyle, and do your part for the planet.
Doug Radtke, Facilities Engineer
– The Rookie
Normally, Doug drives from Mountain View to the Stanford campus, and his free Stanford-issued VTA Smart Pass was collecting cobwebs. He figured why not mix it up and take public transit for the first time? He hopped on the 22 VTA bus and the XL-AM Marguerite Shuttle.
“It took about 45 minutes and was relatively painless–maybe 20-30 minutes longer than driving,” said Doug. Instead of fighting traffic, he could “kick back and nerd out” on his investment/finance podcasts. He would make it a regular habit except he has young children, including a newborn, and must be available at a moment’s notice. Don’t forget about our Emergency Ride Home Program, Doug.
Lorena Jasso, Faculty Affairs Administrator
– The Serendipitous Commuter
Taking the car-free commute challenge for a week came serendipitously for Lorena. She was car-less for a month while waiting to purchase a new vehicle. “I like to try new things so I got my free Stanford-issued Go Pass and decided to try taking Caltrain for a week.” Figuring out the logistics was a breeze, thanks to Caltrain’s plan your trip feature which helped her find routes and schedules. And Lorena cut her commute time from her San Jose home to her Center for Academic Medicine office in half! Lorena liked saving money on gas and helping the environment. “It was fantastic – much better than sitting in traffic. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s actually great and really easy!” Lorena is excited to commute on Caltrain again in the spring.
Khoi Huynh, Facilities Specialist
– The Lifelong Car-Free Commuter
