So, a large part of my day is spent merely in transit to and from work. It seems to me, at least, that this is an issue that is an issue that should at least get a little bit of a nod.
How I handle the commute to and from the office
(I completely understand this isn't a question)
Well, I live near Paradise Valley, but I have taken the challenge of taking public transit every day that I head to work/school since I have started. I have only made an exception to drive on 3 occasions for reasons I will soon explain. It takes me about 50 minutes from the time that I should get picked up by my bus until i get to my office. I whittle away time, by getting through my course readings, talking with the drivers, and listening to ye olde iPod. This is odd because I like being relatively close to my workplace, and I never had to commute such a distance to get to work.
Well it seems that ASU closed their contract with for the U-Pass two months earlier than the U-Pass should have expired. ASU didn't send me an email or notify me. It seems that I noticed one day in May that my U-Pass was simply "invalid" and would have to pay for the ticket out of pocket. I called Valley Metro and they told me that ASU cancelled all of the Metro Cards that were issued for the Spring semester. I called ASU and got the same story. I was then told that the card is only intended to transport students to and from school, and in between semesters the cards will be made invalid. After explaining that I am paying the University to get credit for my internship, the woman that I spoke to simply repeated herself (an interesting tactic). She then told me that I would need to come back another day to get a new card, but I also need to bring my schedule to prove that I am taking classes. I found it strange that I need to prove to the University that I am taking classes at the University and more strange that I couldn't just print out my billing statement as proof. Well long story made short, if one is taking online classes one is not eligible for this the U-Pass.
All this just on a post about my commute...Anyone else got anything for work commute?
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I am sorry to hear about the trouble with the U-Pass. A result of budget cuts and operating units at ASU so specialized that they can get in their own way of solving problems easily? Perhaps.
ReplyDeleteRegarding commuting, I spent the past six years in New York City, which thrives on public transportation. There are the exceptions, such as individuals that can afford $600 per month to rent a parking space at a parking garage and individuals that have the divine patience to search for a legal parking spot. I, however, had neither.
The last year in NYC, I lived in Brooklyn and commuted about two hours to and from work in Manhattan every weekday. I cherished this time sitting on the subway: reading, doing a crossword puzzle, and people watching. Commuting became my "me time" during the weekdays when I could relax.
I can completely understand your commuting struggles. First, in regards to the U-Pass. I thought it was kind of strange that they sent this email one day before classes ended in May and just before I left to go visit Texas. Also, placing a false June 2009 expiration date on it was just wrong. I was also furious that you had to print your schedule to document "proof" of enrollment, and online courses do not count. Sort of ridiculous in my opinion. What if someone wanted to go to the library?
ReplyDeleteI sort of digressed there. I did spend a summer in DC. My commute was about an hour each day from N. VA to the Capitol, which is probably only 15 miles in distance. I spent my time reading alot and listening to tunes, as I would take the yellow line and blue lines. The real pain was commute home though. If I got out of work past 6:30 the yellow line came less often, and I would miss the bus, pushing me to get home at time around 8 or 8:15. I think though, by taking public transit you become more aware and more engaged with the area. It also makes life a little less stressful and more convenient at times when you do not feel like dealing with traffic.
Yes this is quite the difference for me. I have been living in Grand Rapids, MI. for most of my years after college. That city is a lot more centralized and easier to navigate than this area. Also, I became accustomed to walking about 15 minutes to work. In Leipzig, Saxony (my most recent location), I lived about 6 minutes on foot from my place of employment. Also, the public transit came at much closer intervals than is common here.
ReplyDeleteThe change of pace is shocking, and honestly it is quite the discomfort to live an area that is so large in physical area.