Remote workers weigh the future of their commute

Mar 10, 2021
| Posted in
Transportation
Woman with a laptop working from home

As we approach one full year of pandemic life, commuters are looking back on how their commute changed over the past year.

In a recent RideshareKC #CommuteVoices questionnaire, metro area commuters shared their experiences, anxieties and hopes for the future of their transportation routine, painting a broader picture for the possible future of commuting in our region.

Many benefits to remote work

A core theme emerged from this commuter feedback — many workers hope that remote work is here to stay. Many respondents say they have enjoyed saving time, money and stress by eliminating their daily commutes. One respondent, Kayra, said that with the time she used to spend commuting, she can now enjoy walks on her breaks with her dogs and better food choices for lunches since she is home to cook.

The benefits of remote work are keenly felt by respondents who could be identified as super commuters — those who travel long distances to get to work. One such commuter, Shannon, used to have to travel 90 miles to work every day. She says she’s enjoyed teleworking over the past year because it’s less expensive and faster to simply walk to her home office.

Similarly, workers who frequently travel for work may also see added benefits to the more agile telework environment. One respondent, Sarah, often worked out of town, and would miss out on meetings while off-site.

“For me, the fact that our whole office is telecommuting has been extremely positive and more inclusive,” said Sarah. Now that her company is fully teleworking, she can stay better connected with her colleagues. “Impromptu social meetings don’t happen, but group meet-ups are no longer restricted by geographic location, which contributes to firmwide unity.”

Missing the human connection

For others, the day-to-day commute is a routine that has been sorely missed over the past year. Among respondents who previously used alternative modes like biking, walking, transit or carpooling to get to work, many reported missing the friendship, community, colleague connection and active lifestyle that commuting afforded.

Several respondents say they have missed and worried about their old “bus buddies” during this time.

“I have been tempted to drive to 3rd and Grand just to see the Main MAX pull in and hope to catch a glimpse of one of my favorite drivers.” 

Paula, IT Manager

Another respondent, Michael, echoed this feeling, as prior to the pandemic he enjoyed commuting with a group who became friends riding the bus in Johnson County. “What a great time we had,” said Michael. “The biggest negative to teleworking? I miss all my bus friends.”

Bus riders also reported missing the enjoyable and convenient ride the bus afforded them. One bus commuter reported missing seeing and experiencing the city. Another bus rider, Lisa, reminisces, “I used to ride the Johnson County 595 Express to downtown. I work at corporate headquarters for Hallmark and loved how convenient it was to take the bus at Oak Park Mall. I enjoyed the ride … and extra sleep.” Others report that avoiding parking, especially downtown, is always a plus.

Ultimately, respondents expressed interest in remote work continuing to be an option or a mix of remote work and in-office work. Despite the popularity of telework, folks are ready to get back to some kind of new normal with their commute routine.

“I am so looking forward to returning, watching as a clean and polished, shiny red and gray Main MAX/Waldo bus pulls up,” says Paula. “The front doors open and there, sitting in the driver’s seat, is my favorite morning driver, Robert, smiling at me and welcoming me aboard for that day’s commute!”

For more information on telework and commute policies and programming, contact RideshareKC.

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