Commute Champion Spotlight: Caroline Tobe Is Driverless in the City and Thriving
RideFinders News
For Richmond transit advocate Caroline Tobe, not driving doesn’t mean missing out. It means experiencing the city from a different point of view.
Caroline is physically unable to drive, but she has embraced a lifestyle she proudly calls “Driverless in the City and Thriving!” Instead of relying on a personal vehicle, she uses a combination of transit, walking, and carpooling to get to work, run errands, attend events, support her advocacy efforts, and enjoy everything Richmond has to offer.
Her typical commute takes between 30 and 45 minutes, but Caroline sees that time as more than simply getting from one place to another. Riding the bus and walking give her an opportunity to experience Richmond in ways she might otherwise miss.
“I can see the city and great views on the bus and on my walks.”
That perspective is also at the heart of Caroline’s passion for public transportation. A strong local transit advocate, she serves as a board member with RVA Rapid Transit and uses her social media platforms, including Instagram and Threads, to share her transit experiences and advocacy journey.
For Caroline, choosing different ways to get around comes with plenty of benefits. She identified saving money, experiencing less stress, having more time to relax, helping the environment, and meeting new people as advantages of her commute. And along the way, she keeps herself entertained with music, podcasts, audiobooks, and conversation.
But perhaps one of the most valuable things Caroline’s commute provides is perspective.
Her advice to someone considering trying transit or another way of commuting is simple:
“It will give you a new perspective and appreciation for transit commuters and bus riders.”
Caroline’s story is a reminder that a commute doesn’t have to revolve around the driver’s seat. Whether it’s taking transit, walking a few blocks, sharing a ride, or combining several options, getting around differently can open the door to new experiences, new connections, and a new way of seeing your community.
For Caroline, being driverless isn’t holding her back. She’s driverless in the city and thriving.
Could Your Commute Inspire Someone Else?
You don’t have to consider yourself a transportation expert or even be completely car-free to have a story worth sharing. If you carpool, vanpool, take transit, bike, walk, telework, or mix it up, we want to hear about your experience.
Complete our quick Commute Spotlight Form and tell us a little about how you get around. You can even nominate someone whose commute story deserves the spotlight.
And don’t worry about writing the article, we’ll do that part for you.
Your commute could be the story that inspires someone else to try something new.