City of Seattle staff share their commute stories, including transit, biking, and other travel options. Photos: SDOT Blog stats: 1,200 words | 6-minute read
This is a big year for Seattle, between ongoing Revive I-5 construction on the Ship Canal Bridge, major events like the FIFA World Cup this summer, and work on city streets. We know travel can be challenging, especially when major routes like I-5 have lanes reduced for much of the year. However, there are a wide range of transit and other travel options available to you as we all navigate construction and events, and continue to enjoy everything Seattle has to offer.
We recently sat down with several employees across different City departments for a “Roadside Chat” to hear how they’re continuing to get to work each day. We’re all in this together, and we hope these stories from our team help you in your own travels. We also encourage you to visit FlipYourTrip.org to find all your options, and watch our Getting Around Seattle by transit video playlist on YouTube to learn more.
Did you know? As a large employer with 14,000 employees, the City of Seattle has a Commute Trip Reduction program. Around 87% of Downtown Seattle City employees get to work without driving alone, and 68% do so at our seven applicable worksites throughout the city, based on 2024 survey results. You can read more in this quick summary document.
Now, here are our staff members’ stories!
Quick links:
- Howard Wu, Senior Transportation Planner, Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT)
- Luke Gardner, Communications, Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT)
- Azucena MacDonald, Accounting Technician, Seattle Police Department (SPD)
- Geoff Brown, Engineering Records Supervisor, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU)
Howard Wu, Senior Transportation Planner, SDOT
1) How do you typically get into work and what do you like most about this travel mode?
I normally take the bus to catch the 1 Line at Northgate or Roosevelt. Sometimes, I bring my bike so that I can commute back home by bike.
2) How’s your commute been going during the Revive I-5 construction work so far? Have you made any shifts to how or when you travel?
I have noticed more commuters on the 1 Line, which makes it challenging at times to bring my bike. When possible, I try to leave earlier. I’ve also delayed my trip home by scheduling other activities near work before heading home.
3) Looking ahead, how will your commute look as I-5 bridge work continues over the next two years? Any tips or lessons learned that you can share with our readers?
I am looking forward to the start of 2 Line which will increase the frequency of trains and hopefully reduce the crowding on the trains.
Luke Gardner, Communications, SDOT
1) How do you typically get into work and what do you like most about this travel mode?
I ride an e-bike from Ballard. It’s a very consistent trip: it takes me about 30 minutes to get to work, no matter what. I really love seeing all of the activity around Lake Union from the Westlake Trail, particularly on warmer afternoons: people swimming, paddleboarding, boating, and gathering.
The e-bike makes it so easy to travel across the city. I don’t arrive sweaty or tired, I can carry everything I need, and it’s low cost.
2) How’s your commute been going during the Revive I-5 construction work so far? Have you made any shifts to how or when you travel?
I haven’t had to make any shifts to how I travel, which I’m very thankful for. I really feel for people who are having to spend more time commuting. Time is valuable, particularly at the end of the day when you want to get home to your family.
The reason I commute by bike is because I know how long it’s going to take every time, even if it takes a little bit longer than driving. I know that bike commuting isn’t available to everyone, but I do hope more people could try it if it’s something they’re willing and able to do.
3) Looking ahead, how will your commute look as I-5 bridge work continues over the next two years? Any tips or lessons learned that you can share with our readers?
My daughter will start daycare in the next few months, so I’ll have to take a detour to drop her off. I got a bike seat for her, and really look forward to dropping her off and picking her up that way.
If you do commute by bike, or want to try it, my best advice is to get rain pants and some good gloves. I can commute in pretty much any weather, and I mostly stay dry just by wearing a normal raincoat and rain pants.
And most importantly: have fun doing it! It’s such a pleasant way to travel and brings me joy every day, even if it is raining.
Azucena MacDonald, Accounting Technician, SPD
1) How do you typically get into work and what do you like most about this travel mode?
I ride the bus.
2) How’s your commute been going during the Revive I-5 construction work so far? Have you made any shifts to how or when you travel?
I only use I-5 during weekends for shopping and going to the market. I always do my market trips at South Center Mall where there is a nice Asian Seafood Market. Going to south is bearable but going back home (south to north) is hard.
3) Looking ahead, how will your commute look as I-5 bridge work continues over the next two years? Any tips or lessons learned that you can share with our readers?
I’m still looking for some ideas but will try other routes next time.
Geoff Brown, Engineering Records Supervisor, SPU
1) How do you typically get into work and what do you like most about this travel mode?
I ride my bike into work on the majority of my in-office days. Biking to work gives me an opportunity to interact with the environment and my community that is simply not possible on other modes of transportation.
I’ve chatted with more colleagues while pedaling towards our respective homes than I have while riding busses. I’ve encountered more of my friends and stopped into more shops or cafes on my bike too.
I love watching the progression of the seasons in the gardens and front yards on my routes. I take a camera with me wherever I go and I find I’m more apt to find interesting photos when I ride.
2) How’s your commute been going during the Revive I-5 construction work so far? Have you made any shifts to how or when you travel?
If anything, Revive I-5 has encouraged me to bike more often for errands and commuting.
3) Looking ahead, how will your commute look as I-5 bridge work continues over the next two years? Any tips or lessons learned that you can share with our readers?
I’ll probably still drive or bus on occasion. Like when I’m recovering from a cold or jet lag. But I’ll probably wish I’d biked or taken transit when it comes time to go home!
Thanks for sharing your commute stories with our readers. We hope you found these examples helpful as you plan your trips during Revive I-5 and other events taking place this year. We wish you safe and smooth travel in the months ahead.