The ultimate toll-free commute? For this Hoboken woman, it's a walk
No fares, no traffic and just 11 minutes. One Hoboken commuter says walking to work gives her something even more valuable — time back.
For many New Jersey commuters, getting to work can mean traffic, crowded trains and a long ride.
But for Kelly Kauffmann, of Hoboken, her commute is about as simple as it gets: two blocks and a stroll through the park.
Kauffmann says the walk takes about 11 minutes — and saves her hours compared with her old commute.
“It gives me back two hours of my day because I'm not worrying about traffic on the bus getting to work and home from work, so I just typically feel very privileged that it gives me just so much time back.”
Walking isn't just a choice for Kauffmann. She doesn't own a car or a bike and relies on public transportation when she's not walking.
She says there are some challenges, especially when the weather doesn't cooperate.
“You have to bring the umbrella because you're going to get wet. You have to think about your shoes, but I mostly just love it. It's so nice getting to walk through a park like this," said Kauffmann.
Kauffmann says another challenge comes when she has to cross the street.
She notices drivers who don't always stop at stop signs or crosswalks, making an otherwise easy commute a little more complicated.
Still, she says the benefits far outweigh the challenges.
Instead of spending nearly an hour commuting like she used to, Kauffmann says she now has more time to go to the gym, cook dinner and walk her dog.
For her, that extra time — and the freedom that comes with it — is priceless.
