Meet Alex Harmon, a lifelong East Bay resident who is well-versed in the ways of Bay Area public transit. Working in radio, Alex manages the behind the scenes promotions for four local radio stations, calling on him to cover a lot of territory in his day. And though he does have a car to cover that territory, Alex opts for public transit, giving him more freedom and opportunity to appreciate the different landscapes of the Bay Area.
Alex’s journey with public transit began during his childhood when he rode BART with his father. Their trips to Oakland for appointments and Raiders games introduced him to the public transit system long before smartphones made navigation simple. “In the late 1990s, I’d find myself enjoying the sights of the system by looking out windows or at maps,” he recalls. As he gained some teenage independence, Alex started to ride BART and AC Transit on his own, later expanding his travels to MUNI, Wheels, and County Connection.
One of his earliest memories of County Connection was taking the bus in San Ramon to attend an eye appointment during his high school years. “Being a Hayward kid, it was interesting to see another part of the East Bay on a nice brown bus,” he shares. Later he became a resident of Dublin and his connection with County Connection further solidified as he frequently rode the routes to central Contra Costa County.
Alex takes pride in his choice to rely on public transit. “I’ve always been fortunate to reside near a bus line and within walking distance from BART,” he explains. His affinity for biking also complements his public transit journeys. “Taking public transit allows you to see and embrace the Bay Area in a different way than you would in the driver’s seat,” he adds.
For Alex, riding transit is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about adventure. He often documents his journeys through photography, sharing them on social media and connecting with a community of fellow transit enthusiasts. As a regular user of BART, AC Transit, County Connection, Tri Valley Wheels, and Muni, Alex’s daily travels vary. “I work in Daly City, so I get a SamTrans fix plus VTA when I’m down in the South Bay,” he mentions. Some of his go-to County Connection routes include the 1, 4, 21/321, 35/335, and 93X.
Over the years, Alex has witnessed notable changes in the public transit landscape. He appreciates the integration of the Clipper card system, which has streamlined travel across the Bay Area. However, he’s also seen public transit adapt to societal shifts, from economic recessions to the recent pandemic, which altered ridership patterns.
One challenge he recognizes is the perception that public transit is only for commuting. “I’d like to see more people understand that anyone can ride public transit for more than just their work commute,” Alex insists. He advocates that individuals can incorporate transit into weekend activities, exercise routines, and more, ultimately reducing car dependency.
For Alex, the benefits of public transit also extend to his lifestyle. “My step count is great!” he laughs, emphasizing that the freedom from car dependency allows him to catch up on life during his commutes—whether answering messages, reading the news, or simply enjoying the view outside his window.
Looking ahead, Alex is eager to explore other transit systems. His experiences in New York City’s subway left him wanting more, and he has a keen interest in riding the WMATA Metro in Washington D.C., which shares similarities with BART. For Alex, public transit is more than a practical way to navigate a city; it’s an adventure that offers authentic experiences and personal souvenirs in the form of transit passes and stories.
In a world increasingly influenced by cars, Alex Harmon’s experience serves as a reminder of the joys and benefits of public transportation. Embracing the diverse transit options of the Bay Area not only enriches his daily routine but also opens the door to new connections.
Are you a transit enthusiast? We’d love to share your perspective on how public transit shapes your day. Reach out to our Marketing Department at marketing@cccta.org and let us know about your story!