It seems nowadays, everyone needs a cup of coffee to start their day. Gone are the days of truly early risers, and in their place are the caffeine consuming commuter. Everyone gets their fix somehow, whether it be made at home or stopping by a coffeeshop on the way to work, but the key to situations like these are having cars that allow for more freedom in the morning. For those that use transit systems, stopping by a coffee shop and even making your own are a little more difficult.
We all know transit systems can be very inconsistent. They may be very late, or leave early without telling anyone, and in either situation it inconveniences the riders that depend on it to get to their destination. For people who use public transit for work, these inconveniences are compounded by the time crunch of getting to work on time and trying to get the nutrients and energy they need to make it through the day. It can be difficult to plan out food and coffee and whatever else one may need the night before, especially if the day before was taxing. And be honest, we all have forgotten something in the early rushes to work. Forgotten lunches, left-behind water bottles, and no coffee takes time out of the work day to remedy these incidents and can push a slow morning into a slow day. To help avoid these problems, cafes in transit centers help provide a convenient place to pick up whatever is needed for the early risers without having them go out of their way.
By selling a variety of drinks, these cafes can be just what commuters need to save some time. Hot coffee, iced lattes, teas, they can all be found at cafes, making them great options no matter the weather. Forgot breakfast too? No worries, cafes are stocked with breads, wraps, or small snacks that can hold you over until lunch. Cafes also usually sell juices and water bottles too, helping out even the most forgetful customer. The added convenience of being in the place that takes you to where you need to go can also make them a popular place to hang out and relax before starting your day or even on the way home. The added revenue from a cafe can even go back to the station itself, maybe giving it the funds to refurbish old benches or add new additional ones. The benefits are endless, and is why Sound Transit in Washington is seeking proposals from qualified and interested parties to lease Sound Transit's Lynwood Center coffee shop. If interested in this opportunity and want to find out the full scope of work, click on the link to learn more. The bid closes May 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM PDT.
