Starting My Day in Alexandria
I live in Alexandria, and while I sometimes drive, I really value the days I take transit. My go-to option is heading to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station on the Blue Line. In the morning, I drive a short distance to the station, park in the Metro garage, and tap my phone to begin my trip. Having parking right at the station makes easy to combine driving with transit – no need to deal with traffic the entire way into Rosslyn.
Why I Choose transit: Built-In “Me Time” on Every Ride
Once I’m on the Blue Line, the rest of my commute is simple. I stay on the train all the way to Rosslyn, which typically takes about 35 minutes. From there, it’s a quick 5-minute walk to the office. Door to door, my commute is usually around 50-60 minutes, but the biggest difference is how that time feels. Instead of sitting in traffic, I’m able to relax. I’ll either read a book or listen to an audiobook, which has turned my commute into something I look forward to.
Driving into Rosslyn during rush hour can easily take over an hour, and that’s without factoring the cost. The express lanes are an option for a faster commute, but it is expensive, often $20 plus one way, and parking in Rosslyn adds up quickly. Plus, the mental toll of dealing with rush hour traffic is high. Taking Metro saves me money and I have less stress. I arrive at work feeling calm, caught up on a chapter (or a few!), and ready to start my day rather than already feeling drained from traffic.
What I'm Reading on My Commute
One of my favorite parts of commuting by Metro is how much more I get to read. Here are a few recent favorites I’d recommend:
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore – A layered mystery set in a summer camp, blending past and present. It explores family dynamics and long-buried secrets, with a slow build that keeps you hooked the entire ride.
The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson – A beautifully written story following two women navigating love, ambition, and difficult choices in the 1950s. It’s emotional, powerful, and perfect for getting lost in during a commute.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah – A historical novel set during World War II that tells the story of two sisters in France. It’s deeply moving and highlights resilience, sacrifice, and courage in extraordinary circumstances.
Making Transit Work for You
Commuting by Metro doesn’t have to be all or nothing. For me, it’s about flexibility – driving when I need to but choosing transit when I can. Pairing a short drive with Metrorail gives me the best of both worlds: convenience and a more enjoyable, productive commute.
Making Transit Simple for Your Residents
If you’re a property manager or residential community in Arlington, ATP can help your residents discover the benefits of using public transit. Our Metro Toolkit is a step-by-step guide designed for both new riders and those who just need a refresher on how to use Metrorail and Metrobus. From planning your trip to tapping in, riding, and exiting, the guide walks residents through every step of the process to make transit feel approachable and easy.
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners