Walk, bike, train: MGHers heading Eastbound share their hospital commuting tips

For many city dwellers, public transportation can be stressful to navigate. For Cindy Boersma, it's a source of independence.

Cindy has been a valued member of Michael Garron Hospital's (MGH) volunteer team for 10 years. For much of that time, she's travelled to the Hospital for her weekly volunteer position by a specialized accessible transit service. With traffic and other stops along the way, this can take up to two hours from the west end of the city where she lives.

Cindy started taking the subway to MGH eight months ago when she learned that the stations on her route are wheelchair accessible. Her commute has decreased to a quick 20 minutes, and she hasn't looked back.

With MGH's $500-million redevelopment project underway, parking for patients, staff and community members will change temporarily to make way for construction of the new Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre. The first change to Hospital public parking will take effect on June 1 at 8 p.m. Understanding that changes to parking can be inconvenient, MGH encourages its community members to embrace alternative commuting options as Cindy has done to open up very limited parking availability for those who need it most. In 2021, four levels of underground parking will be open to the public located underneath the new Patient Care Centre.

As a naturally outgoing person, Cindy's subway ride has given her more time for social interaction. She spends her 20-minute commute having friendly conversations with others, and the decrease in travel time gives her the flexibility to return to the Hospital two more times each week to have lunch with her brother, who works at MGH as a Porter.

When asked what the greatest benefit of taking the subway is, she says, “My independence.”

“If you're able to take the subway, it would be beneficial for you to try it too.”

Martin Wrigglesworth, Orthopaedic Technician

Not even a snowfall can get in the way of Martin's daily cycle to MGH where he works in the Fracture Clinic. He's been cycling to work year round over his 15 years at the Hospital.

How far do you cycle?
To work it's two kilometres, which takes about five minutes after I drop the kids off at school. But cycling is my preferred mode of transportation in the city.

What do you feel are the benefits? 
It's a quick way to get to work in the morning and offers flexibility so I can stop and run errands easily on my way home.

What recommendations do you have for someone who is just starting cycling?
Get a bike from a local bike store instead of a department store as it will be more of a pleasure to ride. It's more likely to be lighter, fit you better and be more serviceable.

Sarah Dewar, Educational Technology Specialist

Sarah's been walking the 20 minutes to and from MGH since her first day here 12 years ago.

Why do you walk to/from work?
It's easy. No preparation required. Plus, I love walking.

What do you feel are the benefits?
I'm much more aware of my environment. I can hear the birds and watch the seasons change.

What advice do you have for people considering walking to/from work?
Don't wear headphones or look at a device. Keep your head up, and your ears open. This will help you in two ways. One, you'll see and hear new things every day. That will bring richness to your life. Two, it's much safer that way.

Laura Istanboulian, Nurse Practitioner Respirology

A 45 minute trip on the TTC was always Laura's go-to way to get to and from work in the winter. But last November she was inspired to travel the five kilometres by foot.

How do you get to/from work?
I'm not much of a driver so I have always taken the TTC or biked to work. I added the run/walk option this past winter, inspired by other colleagues who are regular walkers.

What do you feel are the benefits?
Walking/running clears my head and helps me transition from home/work thoughts to work/home thoughts. Walking and breaking into a bit of a jog wakes me up in the morning, and relaxes me on the way home. I am grateful that I live close enough to work to permit this as a commuting option.

What advice do you have for people considering getting to/from work in this way?
If you can do it, try it. Get rain pants and a warm hat. Use a light to be visible in the dark. If you ride your bike, be safe, wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road.

Trevor Finney, Professional Practice Leader, Spiritual Care

Trevor has always travelled to and from work by public transit. By leaving the driving to someone else, his commute is a restorative transitional space between home and work life.

How do you get to/from work?
I used to commute to work by bus and subway. Since moving out of the city four months ago, I now commute to work by Go Train.

What do you feel are the benefits?
It's convenient, accessible and cost-effective. I also love the transitional space my commute provides. On my way to work in the morning, I prepare for my professional life. On my way home, I prepare for my personal life.

How do you spend your commute?
I try to use my time intentionally. I read, prepare for meetings, reflect on my day or plan the weekend ahead. Sometimes my being productive is just looking out the window observing nature. It's very restorative.