Commuter Stories

Lynda Baker

The most unusual item Lynda Baker has carried on the bus? A vacuum cleaner she was taking to Rector's for repair. The desire to live a simple life has led the Administrative Computing staffer to live car free since moving to Bellingham in 1999. Lynda relies on WTA and her own two feet for most of her transportation needs. Also, Lynda is grateful for the generosity of friends who offer rides in their cars when needed.

A Vancouver, Washington native, Baker has also lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico. "We have a great bus system here in Bellingham", Baker said. "In Albuquerque, the buses stopped running at 6pm". By contrast, WTA route 105, which runs between WWU's 32nd street offices and Fairhaven, operates until after 10:30 pm six days a week, and until 8:30 pm on Sundays.

On the bus, Baker enjoys being part of a "bus community" - regular riders and drivers who get to know each other as neighbors. Professional drivers and a fleet of vehicles are two more advantages of using public transportation. Although bus breakdowns are rare, WTA responds quickly with a replacement vehicle.

Baker’s advice for new bus or walking commuters is to use some of the money saved by not driving to invest in waterproof shoes and a good raincoat.

Lynda Baker logs her bus and walking trips online at www.whatcomsmartrips.org. By logging her walking and bus trips to work, errands and leisure, Baker is eligible for discounts, cash prizes and other rewards. She won the $25 Munch Money prize in July's Sustainable Transportation smart commuter drawing.