For Monica Mallon, public transit isn’t just a way to get around—it’s a way of life, a platform for change, and a community she proudly champions every day. As a long-time transit rider, advocate, and storyteller based in San Jose, California, Monica has experienced firsthand the ups and downs of the system. We caught up with her to learn more about her daily commute, the impact of the recent transit strike, and why she believes public transportation is worth fighting for.
First things first—tell us a little about yourself!
I’m a transit advocate and writer living in San Jose, CA. I’ve been involved in transit advocacy since 2017, but really, I’ve been riding transit all my life. I grew up in the Bay Area, so it’s always been part of my routine.
What’s a typical transit day like when everything’s running smoothly?
A dream! When everything is on time—buses, light rail, the whole system—I can get where I need to go quickly and reliably. That reliability is everything.
Why did you choose public transit as your primary way to get around?
At first, it was a necessity—I wasn’t old enough to drive. But even as an adult, I’ve stuck with it. It helps me save money and reduce my carbon footprint. Plus, I genuinely enjoy using it and I’m able to get work done on transit and talk with other passengers and friends.
What sparked your journey as a transit advocate?
Back in 2017, there were service cuts proposed in my area. That was my turning point. I realized that if no one spoke up, important services could disappear—so I decided to speak up.
What kind of advocacy work are you involved in today?
I promote pro-transit policies and funding at the local level, and encourage others to ride transit. One of my proudest moments was helping pass a Transit First policy in San Jose while I was still in college in 2020 by working directly with my city council member. I initially reached out to Council member Foley shortly after she was elected and I started talking to her about transit issues and we eventually came up with the transit first policy and worked to get it adopted over the course of several years.
Where do you see opportunities for improvement in other cities?
There’s so much room to grow, especially in cities without Transit First policies. Just because a city hasn’t prioritized transit yet doesn’t mean it can’t. Policies like Transit Signal Priority (TSP) can make a huge difference in speed and reliability.
When the System Stops: Life During the Transit Strike
What was your initial reaction when you heard about the strike?
I was honestly worried—both for myself and other riders. I don’t own a car, and my in-person job is about 11 miles away. I immediately started thinking about how I’d get around.
How did the strike affect your day-to-day life?
It turned everything upside down. I was walking around 8 miles a day just to get to work and back. That left no time for anything else—errands, rest, personal time, all of it took a back seat.
How did you adapt your commute?
I leaned heavily on walking, rideshares, and occasionally Amtrak or carpools. But I also limited my travel a lot to keep costs down.
You vlogged your experience—what inspired that?
I wanted to show how difficult life becomes without access to transit or a personal vehicle. My goal was to make transit riders’ challenges visible.
How did people respond?
The response was powerful. Many viewers related to my story, while others were surprised by the sheer effort it took to get through the day. It helped put a human face on the impacts. Riders often feel invisible. Sharing my experience helped others—especially those not reliant on transit—see the real-world effects.
Looking Forward
Has the strike changed your view of transit?
Not really—except that I value it even more now. When it’s taken away, you realize just how essential it is.
What message would you share with fellow riders and transit workers?
Keep advocating. Your voice matters and it can create change.
Any favorite transit memories?
Absolutely! After the strike ended, I was riding again and got recognized by a few operators and passengers who saw my TikTok vlogs. It was a really cool moment—like my little community on wheels came full circle.
In three words, how would you describe transit in San Jose?
Affordable. Convenient. Growing.
Monica Mullen proves that public transit is more than just infrastructure—it’s a vital part of a thriving, equitable community. Whether she’s commuting, creating, or campaigning, she reminds us why supporting and improving transit is so important—because when transit moves, cities do too. Learn more about San Jose, CA and the benefits they have seen from LYT.transit.
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