Anonymous wrote:What is the vanpool option? TIA!
Anonymous wrote:I have lived in Centreville since 2003 and have always commuted to the city (Southeast). I have tried many different ways throughout the years and here are my thoughts on each...
First of all, I work a flexible schedule and can arrive early (starting at 6:30 am and departing at 3 pm). I realize not everyone would be able to do this.
1. VANPOOLING This was by far my favorite commuting option. I did this for almost 9 years (pre kids) and loved it. I took a van from Stringfellow Park and Ride and it was a painless 45 minutes each way. Also, I received transit subsidy that covered the entire cost. There is one vanpool, I know of, that is still in operation. Let me know if you're interested.
2. METRO This was by far the worst of the bunch. It took forever! Drive to the commuting lot, wait for a bus, take the bus, walk to the metro train, wait for the train, blah, blah, blah... it sucked!!!
3. VRE (Manassas Park) This is just ok. It also had too many steps and took longer than I wanted it to.
4. DRIVING This is what I do now. If I leave by 5:45 I can be at work by 6:30 (7 on a 'bad' day). I have 3 routes that I take, depending on the time I leave or traffic situation. 66 isn't terrible, IF you leave early enough. Braddock Road to 495 and around to the Wilson/295 North. Braddock Road to 495 to 395.
I know many people on here will read this and say "soul sucking", but I disagree. Sure, I'd love to live in Arlington in a nice SFH for my family....but unfortunately, that's not an option for me. I love living in Centreville and I have found commuting options that work for me. If you can live with a commute of 1 hour each way, it might work for you too.