Commuter Stories

Michael Smith

Michael Smith of Academic Custodial Services was the April 2010 winner of the Whatcom Smart Trips $250 monthly cash prize drawing. Michael gets to work using a combination of carpooling and transit.

"My wife and I work in various parts of Bellingham, she at Peace Health Cordata and me at Western. Up until a year ago we drove separately to work - we have since made a commitment to be a one car family 24/7 and use both walking and transit to fill in the gaps. It feels good to save money and use less fuel."

Smith logs his carpool, bus, and walking trips online at www.whatcomsmartrips.org. By logging his smart trips to work, errands and leisure, Michael is eligible for discounts, cash prizes and other rewards.

Three other WWU employees have won Smart Trips cash prizes since the program began in 2006. Laurie Porter (Parking) won the November 2008 $250 monthly prize drawing, Jenny Hoover (Foundation) won the fall 2008 $1000 quarterly drawing, and Greg Hough (Facilities) won the summer 2007 $1000 quarterly drawing.