Every university I have worked at has offered a special perk to its employees. At the University of Montana we received free football tickets, at Coastal Carolina University we enjoyed early release on summer Fridays, and at WSU I benefitted from a very liberal work-from-home schedule.

My favorite perk at Eastern Washington University? A bus pass.

I ride the 661 to the EWU campus a lot. I board the bus at the Jefferson Park and Ride in downtown Spokane.

My new employer provides faculty, staff, and students with a Spokane Transit Authority bus pass. With so many people living in Spokane and with EWU boasting a Spokane campus, it just makes sense for the university to encourage ridership on the STA routes that provide service to/from Cheney.

My vantage point most mornings when I am on the STA bus.

I have seized the opportunity. I try to take the bus 2-3 times per week as I capitalize on the dependability, sustainability, and, for the most part—comfort—that is offered. It serves as a happy arrangement in multiple respects…

First, it saves my vehicle from wear and tear. It is 27 miles from my home to my office. The bus stop where I board is 12 miles away at a park-and-ride in downtown Spokane. Thus, a normal 54-mile round trip for my Ford Escape is reduced to a 24-mile round trip. Sparing my car 30 miles per day adds up. It means less mileage, less gas, and less chance for an accident. It also eliminates driving for an extended time on I-90, my least favorite part of the commute.

Next, there is the convenience aspect. If you know anything about parking on a college campus, it can be scarce and expensive. Taking the bus has allowed me to bypass both those issues. When I use STA, I am dropped off at Eagle Station, the EWU-branded main campus bus plaza that is a convenient two-minute stroll to the building I work in. There is no stress, no driving around in circles, and no time drain.

The Eagle Station is the top bus stop on campus. It is a 2-minute walk to my office.

I also really appreciate the time I am given back that would otherwise be spent behind the wheel. A one-way trip from the park and ride to campus is 20 minutes. That means I have 40 minutes at my disposal on any given day I ride the bus. I use it to catch up on text messages, read the newspaper, check email, and format blog posts.

Finally, taking the bus just connects me better to EWU. Whether I am waiting at the stop or riding in my seat, I am surrounded by Eastern staff, faculty, and students. It has been a great way to solidify/build connections while reminding myself of the diverse EWU community.

It is hard not to smile when you are on the bus.

Thank you to Eastern Washington University for offering this option to all Eagles. Also, hats off to the bus drivers who are always so pleasant! Don’t Blink.