Every commute has a story, and in Alewife TMA’s “Commuter Spotlight” series, we share about the commuters whose daily trips keep our community moving. This month, we caught up with Alexa Shier, a member of the People Operations team at Invaio Sciences, located at TMA member building 75 Moulton (The Quad) to learn more about her transit-and-shuttle commute from Somerville to Cambridge . . . proof that even a multi-step journey can have a few bright spots along the way.
Alewife TMA: Please tell our readers a little about you. Where do you work and what do you do there?
Alexa: I’m a member of the People Operations team at Invaio Sciences, an agricultural biotechnology company. I support initiatives that help create a positive employee experience.
TMA: How do you commute to work daily?
Alexa: My commute is definitely a journey! I live in Somerville and work in Cambridge, so each morning I take the Orange Line to Downtown Crossing, transfer to the Red Line, ride to Alewife, and then hop on the Alewife TMA Loop Shuttle that brings me to the office. It is definitely a multi-step process!
TMA: What’s the toughest part of your commute?
Alexa: The length of the commute is probably the biggest challenge. There’s no direct route from Somerville to my office in Cambridge, which makes the trip longer than you’d expect for such a short distance. There are bus options, but the schedules don’t always align well with my workday, so the train-and-Alewife TMA shuttle combo tends to be the most reliable.
TMA: Do you have a fun or memorable commute story?
Alexa: I do. Well, it wasn’t exactly fun in the moment—but it’s funny now! On my second day of work, I tried the shuttle for the first time and accidentally boarded the wrong one. I ended up traveling 45 minutes in the opposite direction. And as someone who hates being late to anything, it was my worst nightmare! It was a stressful start at the time, but now it’s a great story to tell.
TMA: What is your favorite spot in the Alewife/Fresh Pond area to pass through on your commute?
Alexa: I love the stretch where you can see the pond. It’s such a peaceful view, especially in the morning. There are always people out walking or running, and it’s a beautiful way to start the day.
TMA: How is this commute different from your past jobs?
Alexa: I’m originally from Michigan, so this commute is completely different from what I was used to. I drove everywhere back home—public transportation wasn’t really an option. Moving here about a year and a half ago was my first experience regularly using public
transit, so it’s been an adjustment, but also a fun change of pace.
TMA: What’s your go-to commute snack or drink?
Alexa: A coffee, always! Since I’m commuting in the morning, I like to enjoy my first coffee of the day on the way to work, and it makes the trip feel a little more enjoyable.
TMA: If you could sit next to any celebrity on your commute, who would it be, and why?
Alexa: Pari from Love on the Spectrum! She’s so full of energy and genuinely loves the T, so I think she’d make the commute incredibly entertaining and uplifting.
Check out this
TikTok video of the one and only Pari Kim, cast member of Love on the Spectrum Season 3 and the MBTA’s biggest fan! Her passion for the MBTA is unforgettable, and this video is a fun glimpse into the energy and excitement she brings to the transit world.
TMA: If you were telling a coworker about the Alewife TMA, what would you say it does best?
Alexa: Alewife TMA does a great job of making commuting to the Alewife area easier and more accessible. It helps make the daily commute more manageable for everyone in the area by coordinating shuttle service between Alewife Station and local employers, improving transportation options, and easing the stress of getting to and from work. I know my commute would be significantly more challenging if there weren’t the TMA shuttle that drops me off directly at my office. It really bridges that last-mile gap!
TMA: Thank you, Alexa, for taking the time to share your thoughts with us!
✨ Interested in being featured in a future Commuter Spotlight? Reach out to the Alewife TMA at director@alewifetma.org. We’d love to share your story.
