For Matt Berberich, commuting without a car is both practical and enjoyable. His daily routine combines public transportation, walking, and the Alewife TMA shuttle, giving him a flexible way to get to work while avoiding many of the costs and stresses that come with driving. From listening to music on the T to walking through the Alewife/Fresh Pond area, Matt’s commute reflects how car-free travel can become part of a reliable and rewarding way to get around!
In this month’s Commuter Spotlight, Matt shares more about his work at Tasca Therapeutics, what led him to choose a car-free lifestyle, and the small moments that make his commute memorable!
Our Interview with Matt
Alewife TMA: Please tell us little about yourself.
Matt: I currently work as a Senior Associate Scientist at Tasca Therapeutics, where I perform pre-clinical drug discovery and development research activities, specifically in the areas of Chemical Biology and Proteomics. I have been at Tasca for almost one year, and before that I worked at Flare Therapeutics and Frontier Medicines. I began my scientific career working in academic core labs.
I’m originally from Shelton, Connecticut (home of the Wiffle Ball), and I have since lived in Connecticut, New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts. Over ten years ago, I moved to Cambridge and have really enjoyed the area. I frequently use the T to explore different neighborhoods in Boston, as well as the Commuter Rail to visit towns on the North Shore. I’m also an ice hockey fan, both college and NHL, and I use the Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament––the Frozen Four––as a reason to plan vacations throughout the country since it is held in a different city every year.
A Multi-Modal Daily Commute
Alewife TMA: How do you usually commute to work on a daily basis?
Matt: I commute from Davis Square, so I first take the T to Alewife. If the weather is nice, I walk down Alewife Brook Parkway and Concord Avenue to West Cambridge Science Park. If there is inclement weather, I use the morning Alewife TMA shuttle. I use the same sequence returning home, which includes walking to Alewife Station if the weather is nice.
Choosing a Car-Free Lifestyle
Alewife TMA: What made you choose not to own a car, and how has that worked for you?
Matt: I attended NYU for graduate school and had the opportunity to live in New York City without a car. With a reliable public transit system and walkable neighborhoods, I thoroughly enjoyed not having to worry about owning one.
From that experience, I make it a priority to use public transportation whenever I can, either in the Boston area or when traveling. I can accomplish all my errands and shopping needs without a car, knowing that Zipcar, Uber, and Lyft are always options. However, when I am forced to drive, I honestly do not miss it. Between traffic, gas, insurance, and parking, I save a lot of time and money by not owning a car.
What Makes the Commute Enjoyable
Alewife TMA: What do you enjoy most about your commute?
Matt: I enjoy being able to relax on the shuttle or the T, listen to some tunes, or enjoy the outdoors by taking a long walk.
Alewife TMA: Is there a favorite spot in the Alewife/Fresh Pond area that you pass through on your commute?
Matt: I enjoy watching the Commuter Rail trains on the Wachusett Line go rumbling by.
Alewife TMA: Any fun or memorable commute story you’d like to share?
Matt: I am always curious to see how many geese I need to avoid while walking to work. So far, they have not been a problem.
Advice for Fellow Commuters
Alewife TMA: Do you have a favorite tip or piece of advice for others who may be considering alternatives to driving alone?
Matt: In addition to being able to read or listen to music while taking the shuttle, you can also meet some of your Science Park coworkers. Interactions between different companies can be hard to come by, but seeing a familiar face from your commute is great.
Alewife TMA: If you were telling a coworker about Alewife TMA, what would you say does best?
Matt: The shuttles are rarely late arriving or leaving, and they can make route adjustments if there is traffic. I highly recommend Alewife TMA shuttles as they have made my commute much easier and stress-free.
Just for Fun
Alewife TMA: If your commute had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Matt: “Movin’ Right Along” by Kermit the Frog and Fozzie Bear. It has a good tempo, can be used ironically when sitting in traffic, and who doesn’t like The Muppets?
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Matt’s car-free commute proves that getting to work does not have to involve traffic, parking, or sitting behind the wheel. With the T, walking, and the Alewife TMA shuttle service, his routine gives him time to relax, listen to music, enjoy the area, and connect with coworkers. And so far, despite the occasional goose encounter, the commute remains a success.
✨ 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.
