Love and romance in the carpool lane

Their relationship began simply enough, with Dennis Kamilos pausing to chat with Robin Davis on his regular delivery of supplies from Stores and Receiving to the Cytology Laboratory, where Davis is the supervisor.

Davis said that through their conversations, she and Kamilos “became good friends, and one thing led to another.” They formed a carpool through UC Davis Health System’s Commuter Choice Programs in 1997 and married in 2004.

This week, Parking and Transportation Services presented the couple with gift certificates to Bistro Biaggio in recognition of their long participation in the Commuter Choice Programs. The department regularly recognizes different participants in the program for their dedication and commitment to alternative transportation to work.

Before buying a house together in Folsom, Davis and Kamilos each had separate homes in the Pocket area of Sacramento. After the move, Davis said, “It became obvious that it was silly to have two cars coming down Highway 50.”

“It’s been great. You can work out a lot of things while driving to and from work. It’s a good time to decompress, work out things, make plans and talk about the day. I looked forward to it. By the time you get home, you’ve got everything hashed out.”

Kamilos’ retirement in December put an end to the carpool, but Davis now takes advantage of another alternative form of commuting by taking light rail to work. She enjoys that, also.

“I’m an avid reader, so it’s a great time to stick my nose in a book,” Davis said. “I’ve also met many other medical center employees who ride light rail.”

Employees interested in vanpooling or other Commuter Choice options should call (916) 734-2239 or go to the Web at www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/parking.