Burnaby Hospital staff and medical staff share what they gain from taking public transit
Most people wouldn’t describe their commute to work as “relaxing” or “community-building” but staff at Burnaby Hospital make a compelling case that it can be — when you choose public transit.
Nurse Julie Thai, Foundation team member Daniel Boden, and Staffing Services Leader Chris Spurr, who works at Burnaby Hospital and other sites, shared how taking transit has transformed their workdays.
Hospital shuttles: bringing people together
Julie, Daniel and Chris all make use of the Burnaby Hospital shuttle and have all felt the unifying experience of just sharing their commute with colleagues: “Everybody who takes the shuttle is going to work at the hospital to serve the community, creating a shared interest,” reflects Daniel.
For both Julie and Daniel, the Burnaby Hospital shuttle has become more than a ride—it’s a community. Julie has built what she calls “shuttle friendships,” connecting with colleagues she might never have met otherwise.
Daniel agrees: “I enjoy seeing the same staff every morning on the way to work. I have made friends across departments – we’ve become a community.”
Healthy Choice: Stress Reduction, Reduced Risks
Chris, who commutes from Kitsilano to multiple Fraser Health sites, sees transit as essential.
Every day I take transit is one less day with a car in traffic—and less accident risk,” he explains. Instead, his time on the train allows him to decompress, read, or explore new music, leaving him more relaxed at the end of the day.
This echoes Julie’s experience. Her commute from Burquitlam creates a natural boundary between her personal and professional life. Instead of battling traffic, she can puzzle, nap, or simply look out the window.
Being on transit allows me to be outside more and appreciate my surroundings in a way that I couldn’t if I was driving,” says Julie.
Daniel agrees while also highlighting the practical benefits. He chose to live near a SkyTrain station and finds his transit commute faster and more predictable than driving. The free shuttle stop right outside his office makes it even more convenient.
Incentivizing Healthy Choices
All three agree that Fraser Health’s transit incentives make choosing sustainable options even easier. From reduced stress to creating connections, their stories show how small shifts in daily routines can create healthier, more connected workplaces. For those reluctant to take transit, Julie offers a piece of advice: “just try it”
Learn more about taking transit to work at your health organization:
