The daily trip from Mission Bay to the Panhandle once took Alyscia Richards, executive assistant to the dean of the UCSF School of Pharmacy, more than an hour. Now, thanks to the Uber Commute Shuttle, her commute is quicker and more relaxing. Learn more about her experience below.
What made you decide to start using the Uber Commute Shuttle?
As soon as I saw there was a Panhandle route, I jumped at the chance to sign up for the Uber Commute Shuttle. Getting between Mission Bay and that neighborhood can be quite a journey on SF Muni. My concerns about the cost or whether I’d like it went away when I learned you sign up monthly. That flexibility made it easy to try without a big commitment, because if it didn’t work for me, I could simply opt out after a month.
How did you first hear about it?
I first heard the Uber Commute Shuttle was in development when I spoke with the Commute Concierge team. We were troubleshooting the best transit options, and at the time, there wasn’t a direct route to my neighborhood (NOPA–Panhandle) using UCSF shuttles or SF Muni. They mentioned that an Uber Commute Shuttle route might eventually get closer to where I live and encouraged me to keep an eye out for updates. When I later saw the email announcement on UCSF Pulse, I signed up right away.
How has it changed your daily commute?
It has shortened my commute significantly and made it much more consistent — something that was always an issue with SF Muni, especially in the evenings. My trip home from Mission Bay used to take over an hour, sometimes up to an hour and a half. Now, the Uber Commute Shuttle gets me home in about 40–50 minutes, without the need to transfer between buses or shuttles. It’s so much easier to hop on one shuttle with only a few stops and get dropped off just four blocks from my home. I still take SF Muni when I’m working at Parnassus Heights since that route is convenient, but since my main location is Mission Bay, the Uber Commute Shuttle has truly been a game changer.
What do you like most about the Uber Commute Shuttle?
Only needing to take one shuttle has vastly improved my commute and quality of life. It’s shortened my travel time, reduced the stress of waiting for connections, and provided a dependable schedule. I also love the flexibility of being able to choose which shuttle I take each day. The drivers are consistently kind, professional, and helpful. Honestly, the best part of my route is riding over the hill by Dolores Park. The view is stunning, and I love seeing it every day!
How does it compare to driving alone or taking public transit?
I don’t have a car to drive, so my options were limited to UCSF shuttles or SF Muni — or a combination of both. The Uber Commute Shuttle is easy, reliable, and stress-free while still offering flexibility. For me, it’s absolutely worth the cost since it cuts my commute time in half compared to SF Muni.
What benefits have you noticed (saving money, less stress, or meeting new people)?
I’m far less stressed about getting to and from work. The rides give me a chance to unwind before and after my workday — whether that’s listening to music or podcasts, doing crossword puzzles, or catching up on reading. My family really appreciates that I get home earlier now, and I love having that extra time back instead of spending it waiting for another bus.
How does using the shuttle support your work-life balance at UCSF?
Spending less time commuting means more time with my family. The cost of the Uber Commute Shuttle is worth it because I often get home in half the time. Plus, the quiet time during my ride gives me a rare opportunity to relax — something this busy mom doesn’t get often. It’s definitely more peaceful than the often crowded and noisy Muni buses.
What would you say to coworkers who are thinking about giving it a try?
I’d absolutely recommend it if one of the routes serves your area or helps you avoid taking multiple buses or shuttles. You can sign up for a month to see if it’s a good fit — no long-term commitment required. I never imagined I’d switch from SF Muni after so many years, but the Uber Commute Shuttle has made my life so much easier. It might do the same for you.
