Customer Feature: Employee Pass Program Rider Eric Bright

July 9, 2019

Did you know we offer discounts for groups of employees? Employers can make sure their employees have ample modes of transportation by enlisting in these deals! We asked Eric Bright why he decided to use the Employee Pass Program and why he still loves using it today!

Q: Why did you decide to use the Employee Pass Program instead of other transportation options?

A: Well, about six years ago, I was sitting in traffic southbound on the Lewisville Lake bridge and looked to my left and saw a neat-looking commuter train pass by and I was at a dead stop.  I thought, “I wonder what it takes to ride that, and would it work out for me?”  I looked it up online and realized the DCTA had started a commuter rail service and it connected to the DART system at Trinity Mills.  I looked at the DART map and saw I work about a 10-minute stroll away from DART’s Victory Station. 

I decided to try it. I loved the stress-free nature of it and have taken the A-train as often as I could since then.  I used to buy single day passes, then started purchasing the 10 packs of regional day passes and then I arranged with my employer to do the Employee Pass program, where they pre-pay for the year and then every pay period they take a payment back out of my paycheck.  It saves me a lot of money compared to buying 10 packs of regional passes. 

Q: How do you use your commute time (working, reading, relaxing, etc.)?

A: On the way to work in the mornings, I usually catch up with the news of the day on my phone, do some emailing and scheduling for the workday and listening to the radio, music or podcasts.  Coming home, I often read books, watch downloaded Netflix shows, look at social media and listen to podcasts, music and the radio.

Q: Do you recommend other commuters to use DCTA services? If so, do you have any advice for those riding DCTA for the first time?

A: I highly recommend the A-train. It’s a great way to get to and from Dallas during peak times.  I’d tell folks to make sure to charge their devices, maybe download some listening or viewing materials because the 4G and network signal gets very faint for some of the A-train ride.  You usually don’t have to wait long for a DART Green Line to take you southbound at Trinity Mills, but on your return, make sure and check the A-train schedule because there aren’t that many runs during the midday.  But if you have stuff to read, listen to or watch, that wait can be an easy time to relax. 

Q: What do you like most about riding public transit?

A: It’s mostly on-schedule, very regular and a relaxing way to commute.  I get home at 6:02 p.m. almost every evening, regardless of the traffic on Interstate-35E.

Q: What was your best experience riding with DCTA?

A: I don’t know if I have a “best” experience, really, but I commonly have a great feeling as I’m heading home on the 5:17 p.m. A-train out of Trinity Mills and we pass over the Lewisville Lake bridge and I glance over and see the traffic backed up on the bridge and know that it doesn’t affect me and I’m going to be home at my regular time.  Happens to me all the time!

Joining our Employee Pass Program is easy. Your company just needs one or more employees and you can start saving money! If you are an employer or an employee, you can find more information on how to benefit from our Employee Pass Program here.

Bright uses the Employee Pass Program for the A-train to save money, to relax and to catch up during his commute to work. Do you have a story to share about your experience riding the A-train or any of DCTA’s services? Comment below or submit your story via our #WhyIRideDCTA submission page!

---