12 Tips for Making Your Commute Easier: From the goCo Crew to You
There’s no need to stress about your commute. Whether you’re carpooling, biking, walking, riding the bus, or combining modes, a few simple tools can make your daily journey more comfortable and enjoyable. We’re sharing some of our favorite must-have items – and a few insider tips – for smoother, smarter commuter solutions here in Hampton Roads!
Must-Haves for Ridesharing
Ridesharing (think carpools and vanpools) is a great way to reduce traffic, save money, and enjoy some company during your daily drive. Making your ride stress-free? Preparation!
Bring something entertaining. Books, offline tv shows/movies and even the daily newspaper crossword puzzle (yes, people still do those!) can be great activities for carpoolers and vanpoolers on longer treks. “Reading a book can help you start and end your day with a calm mind,” says Latwana, our goCommute Vanpool Program Coordinator. “It's an excellent way to recharge between work and home. Audiobooks and podcasts also make your commute fly by.”
Don’t forget to be hands-free. If you’re the driver of your vanpool or carpool, you don’t get to use your device like your fellow passengers. Instead, invest in a phone mount or hands-free device so you can get traffic updates and more without breaking the law or risking lives.
Music is key. Build a collaborative playlist with your carpoolers through Spotify or Apple Music! “A great carpool friend-approved playlist will make the trip seem shorter,” says Amy, our Executive Director. This way, everyone gets to enjoy the songs or artists they like during those drives.
Use organizers for passengers’ items. For rideshares with longer commutes, invest in some seat organizers to keep everyone’s items tidy and out of the way. Maximizing the available cargo space is key to making everyone’s commute more comfortable.
Must-Haves for Active Transportation
If you bike or walk to work, your commute is already doubling as exercise and saving you gas money. But safety and comfort are everything.
Get water-resistant gear. Seriously, we mean it. Nothing is worse than trying to bike or walk on a rainy day and getting your nice, new dress shoes soaked. Pack a waterproof backpack with the items you don’t want waterlogged and bring it on your journey.
Add lights and reflective items if your bike doesn’t already have them. Shawn, our Commuter Outreach Specialist, is also a frequent cyclist. Here’s what she has to say: “A properly fitted helmet and lights/reflective gear are a must when cycling because high visibility makes for a safe, enjoyable ride!”
Bring a basket. Attaching a basket to the front or rear of your bike can also help to make an active commute easier. It prevents you from having items weighing you down, plus you can bring more with you or stop to run some errands on your way home for the day!
Must-Haves for Taking Transit
Taking the bus, light rail, or even the ferry is a smart way to avoid traffic and catch up on emails or listen to a podcast.
Always have headphones. Being courteous to other riders is the golden rule while taking transit. Wear headphones when listening to music, scrolling on social or talking on the phone.
Check to see if you can save even more money with a business transit card. Some businesses partner with Hampton Roads Transit’s GoPass365 program, which is a great commuter solution if you take transit every day to and from work. Keeping it safe and secure is essential, though. “Store and keep track of your GoPass365 with an RFID card sleeve or a separate compartment in a wallet!” suggests Monique, our Program Specialist. “This way it doesn't get lost, damaged, stolen, or demagnetized by other cards or accessories.”
Make sure your device is charged. Bring a portable phone charger, if needed! Keeping your device charged and in good working condition means you’ll never miss a transit alert or can contact the agency’s Customer Service department if you have questions.
Other Tips for Smarter Commuters
Here’s a few bonus tips from the rest of our Crew to make your commute even easier:
Take advantage of our satellite office, if you’re a military commuter. Did you know we have an office at Naval Station Norfolk? “Stop by the goCo office at Naval Station Norfolk to find the nearest vanpool, carpool, and bus route,” says Caleb, our Military Outreach Liaison. He wants to emphasize: there’s free swag included. Brb, heading there now!
Log your trips to save even more money. The ConnectingVA app is a free commuter program, and it’s easy to log all your trips. Whether you rideshare, take transit or even telework, you can include your trips to see vehicle miles reduced and money saved. “You can even earn points towards rewards at local businesses,” says Tiffany, our Program Manager. Who doesn’t love free?
Final Thoughts Every Commuter Should Know
With the right tools and a little planning, you can save time, reduce stress, and maybe even start to enjoy your commute. The goCo crew is here to support all commuters across Hampton Roads. Stop by, sign up, and start your smarter commute today!