Fleet collected some of the toughest commuter stories from around the U.S., and we’re sharing the top three here. While we can’t change the commute, Fleet’s commuter benefits can make the journey a bit easier.
For the past few months, we at Fleet have been collecting your stories—commuter nightmares that showcase the good, the bad, and the downright unbearable sides of getting to work. It all started at the 38th Annual International Conference hosted by the Association of Commuter Transportation, held from August 4-7, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. At the conference, we invited attendees to share their most harrowing commute experiences, and the response was overwhelming.
We received some real doozies, with tales of gridlock, delays, and unexpected detours that left us cringing and grateful for the days we work from home. After sifting through countless submissions, we’ve chosen the top three tales of commuter chaos that took ‘Monday Blues’ to a whole new level. Here are the worst-of-the-worst commuter stories from around the country, shared with us in all their harrowing detail.
Carlos’ Story – Software Engineer, Culver City to Downtown LA
"Every morning feels like a battle against the clock. I live just 10 miles from work, but LA traffic turns that short drive into a daily ordeal. I leave before dawn, hoping to beat the crowd, but no matter how early I start, it’s the same scene: red lights, brake lights, and gridlock as far as the eye can see. Construction zones pop up randomly, and accidents are almost a guarantee. Some days, I try to take public transit, but with unreliable buses and overcrowded trains, it’s like trading one nightmare for another. By the time I arrive, I’ve lost an hour of my life and all my patience. The ‘commute tax’ is real, and I pay it every day."
Janine’s Story – Marketing Specialist, Queens to Midtown Manhattan
"Living in Queens and working in Midtown, I thought the subway would be my lifeline. But rush hour in NYC is an adventure in itself, and not a pleasant one. I squeeze into an overcrowded train, shoulder to shoulder with fellow commuters, clutching the last available handrail. Just as we start moving, the train screeches to a halt. I check my watch anxiously, knowing I’ll have to explain my lateness... again. If I’m lucky, there’s a ‘signal malfunction’ or ‘police activity’ causing delays, but half the time, I have no idea why we’re stuck. It’s a journey through stress, discomfort, and unpredictability, and every day, I wonder if there’s a better way to get to work."
Jake’s Story – Data Analyst, Oakland to Silicon Valley
"Commuting from Oakland to Silicon Valley isn’t for the faint of heart. It starts with a drive to the BART station, followed by a crowded train ride, and finally, a company shuttle that snakes through the traffic on the 101. I’m grateful my company provides the shuttle, but it’s far from a smooth ride. Traffic is unpredictable, and sometimes a minor fender-bender or a bridge backup turns my 2-hour trip into a 3-hour marathon. By the time I get home, I’m too exhausted to do anything but collapse. Working in tech has its perks, but the commute isn’t one of them."
These stories are all too familiar for those of us who’ve faced the grind of a daily commute. At Fleet, we understand that while we can’t change the traffic or make the trains run on time, we can make commuting a little more bearable by simplifying commuter benefits for companies and their employees. Whether your employees are dealing with subway snafus or freeway frustrations, our commuter benefits help cover the costs, so at least the journey isn’t hitting their wallets too hard.
If you’d like to learn more about setting up commuter benefits for your company, reach out to us—we’d love to help your team make the most out of their commute (even if we can’t make it shorter)!
