Commuter Challenge

<img src="wmataAssets/edTrainSingle.jpg" class="illo"><p class="attribution">Image credit: Sarah Winifred Searle</p> Millions of Washingtonians have seen their commutes disrupted by SafeTrack. But the unpredictability and delays hit low-income workers particularly hard. They typically live farther from their jobs. They often have jobs with strict lateness policies. And for workers with young children, the disruptions can make child care arrangements particularly challenging. In this game we'll explore how disruptions, small and large, can adversely impact riders. [[Can you make it through a week of Metro's repair schedule without going into debt or getting fired? |edStart]] <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a></p><a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank"><img src="wmataAssets/wamu-logo.png"></a><a href="http://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank"><img src="wmataAssets/gamelab-logo.png"></a><a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank"><img src="wmataAssets/jolt-logo.png"></a><br><p>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

{ (set: $counter to it + 90) (set: $edPlay to true) (set: $weekCounter to it +1) (set: $moneyImg to '<img src="wmataAssets/money200.png">') (if: $weekCounter is 1)[ (set: $edCar2go to false, $edMadeASign to 0, $edBusNotTrain to false) (set: $dayOfWeek to "Monday") (set: $dayImg to '<img src="wmataAssets/monday.png">') ] (elseif: $weekCounter is 2)[ (set: $dayOfWeek to "Tuesday") (set: $dayImg to '<img src="wmataAssets/tuesday.png">') ] (elseif: $weekCounter is 3)[ (set: $dayOfWeek to "Wednesday") (set: $dayImg to '<img src="wmataAssets/wednesday.png">') ] (elseif: $weekCounter is 4)[ (set: $dayOfWeek to "Thursday") (set: $dayImg to '<img src="wmataAssets/thursday.png">') ] (elseif: $weekCounter is 5)[ (set: $dayOfWeek to "Friday") (set: $dayImg to '<img src="wmataAssets/friday.png">') ] (else:)[(goto: "youWin")] } <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/clock.jpg" class="illo"> (if: $dayOfWeek is "Monday")[(goto: "edWakeMonday")](else:)[(if: $kidSick is false)[(set: $morning to (random: 1, 10))](else:)[(set: $morning to (random: 1, 9))]](if: $morning is 9)[(goto: "edWakeLate")](elseif: $morning is 10)[(goto: "edKidSick")](else:)[The alarm goes off. Get moving! [[Get Jimmy ready for day care and head for the bus stop. |edBus]][[Hit snooze, just 10 more minutes. |edSleep]][[Spend 10 minutes looking at other transit options. |edOptions]]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $counter to it-20) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edBus.jpg" class="illo"> (if: $edMadeASign is 1)[You made a sign to post at the day care seeking a carpool. ]Jimmy is cooperating and you sail out the door. The C26 bus is scheduled to come in five minutes. (link-goto: "Walk to the stop and wait.", (either: "edBusOnTime", "edBusLate"))[[Call a car service to get to day care in 10 minutes for $8. |rideshareToDaycare]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it -36) (set: $counter to it -45) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/rideshareCar.jpg" class="illo"> You took a car service to the day care and then downtown to work. It cost $36 and it took 45 minutes. (if: $counter > 0)[ [[Walk in to work right on time. |edWorksOnTime]] ](else:)[(link-goto: "You're late, better run!", (either: "edLate","edLateBossLater"))] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it - 1.75)(set: $counter to it - 15) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> (if: $edMadeASign is 1)[(set: $edMadeASign to it + 1)<img src="wmataAssets/edMadeASign.jpg" class="illo"> The C26 bus is on time and the ten-minute ride goes off without a hitch. You hang your sign seeking a carpool on the bulletin board. ](elseif: $edMadeASign is 2)[(set: $edMadeASign to it + 1)<img src="wmataAssets/edBusOnTime.jpg" class="illo"> The C26 bus is on time and the ten-minute ride goes off without a hitch. Another parent says she saw your carpool sign. She'd be happy to drop you off at Farragut West this week for $5 per ride to cover gas and parking. [[Carpool with that other parent for $5. The whole trip should take 40 minutes. |edCarpools]] ](elseif: $edMadeASign is 3)[<img src="wmataAssets/edBusOnTime.jpg" class="illo"> The C26 bus is on time and the ten-minute ride goes off without a hitch. As you drop off Jimmy at day care, you see your carpool friend across the room. [[Take that 40-minute carpool you've arranged this week for $5. |edCarpoolsAgain]] ](else:)[<img src="wmataAssets/edBusOnTime.jpg" class="illo"> The C26 bus is on time and the ten-minute ride goes off without a hitch. You drop Jimmy off for a quick turnaround. If the train is on time this morning, you should be at work in 40 minutes. But with the repairs going on, Metro has been especially unpredictable. ](link-goto: "Go to the Largo station.", (either: "edTrainOnTime", "edTrainSingle", "edTrainDisrupt", "edTrainSmoke", "edRide", "edForgotCard", "edBrokenEscalator"))(if: $edBusNotTrain is true)[[[Take that 50-minute alternate bus route you wrote down. |edAltBus]]](link-goto: "Seems a little, tight—better grab a car service for $22 that'll make it in 30 minutes if the traffic's okay.", (either: "rideshareToDowntown", "rideshareTrafficJam")) </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it-4.75) (set: $counter to it-40) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edTrainOnTime.jpg" class="illo"> You get to the Largo station and the train comes as expected. You hope that after they repair the track and switching system, the Metro will be safer and faster. (if: $counter > 0)[[[Walk in to work right on time. |edWorksOnTime]]](else:)[(link-goto: "You're late, better run!", (either: "edLateBossLater", "edLate"))] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br><span class="atWork">at work</span></td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edWorksOnTime.jpg" class="illo"> You work all day but finally your shift is up. (if: $dayOfWeek is "Monday")[Your boss is notorious for asking folks to stay late, but your day care charges $20 per hour for late pick-ups.](else:)[You try to slip out unnoticed as you leave to avoid that $20 late day care fee.] (link-goto: "Hang up your apron in the back and hope the boss isn't feeling over-stretched today.", (either: "edLeaves", "edMandaStay", "edOptStay", "edLeaves2")) </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it -22) (set: $counter to it - 30) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/rideshareCar.jpg" class="illo"> You take a car service to the center(if: $counter > 0)[, and you make it to day care on time. You pay the day care assistant $30 for the day. (if: $weekCounter is 5)[(link: "Congratulations, you made it through the week!")[(set: $money to it - 30)(goto: "youWin")] ](else:)[(link: "Pay your bill, collect your kid, and head home and get some rest for tomorrow.")[(set: $money to it -30, $counter to 0)(goto: "edLoop")](link: "Pay an additional $5 for early drop-off tomorrow to give you 30 more minutes for your morning commute. Get to bed early tonight.")[(set: $money to it - 35, $counter to 30)(goto: "edLoop")]] ](else:)[, but you get to the day care center past pick-up time. With the late fee, your bill for today is $50. You need more time to get to work. You find out that early drop-offs are possible for an extra $10 an hour. (if: $weekCounter is 5)[(link: "Thankfully it's Friday! Pay your last fee, you made it through the week.")[(set: $money to it - 50)(goto: "youWin")] ](else:)[(link: "Pay today's bill and head home and get some rest for tomorrow.")[(set: $money to it - 50, $counter to 0)(goto: "edLoop")](link: "Pay an additional $5 for early drop-off tomorrow to give you 30 more minutes for your morning commute. Get to bed early tonight.")[(set: $money to it - 55, $counter to 30)(goto: "edLoop")] ] ] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it - 4.75, $counter to it - 31) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/kidPickup.jpg" class="illo"> The Farragut West train comes on time. It's crowded, but you get on. You hope that after they repair the trains, the commute will be faster and more reliable. (if: $counter > 0)[You make it to day care on time. You pay the day care assistant $30 for the day. (if: $weekCounter is 5)[(link: "Congratulations, you made it through the week!")[(set: $money to it - 30)(goto: "youWin")] ](else:)[(link: "Pay your bill, collect your kid, and head home to get some rest for tomorrow.")[(set: $money to it -30, $counter to 0)(goto: "edLoop")](link: "Pay an additional $5 to add 30 minutes to tomorrow morning's commute, and get to bed early tonight.")[(set: $money to it - 35, $counter to 30)(goto: "edLoop")]] ](else:)[You get to the day care center after pick-up time, and have to pay the $20 late fee. Your bill for today is $50. You ask the day care center about their policy for early drop-offs—maybe you could add a little commute time tomorrow. They say it's $5 per 30 minutes. (if: $weekCounter is 5)[(link: "Thankfully it's Friday! Pay your last fee, you made it through the week.")[(set: $money to it - 50)(goto: "youWin")] ](else:)[(link: "Pay today's bill and head home and get some rest for tomorrow.")[(set: $money to it - 50, $counter to 0)(goto: "edLoop")](link: "Pay an additional $5 to add 30 minutes to tomorrow morning's commute, and get to bed early tonight.")[(set: $money to it - 55, $counter to 30)(goto: "edLoop")] ] ] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it -120) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edSick.jpg" class="illo"> Call in sick. You can't really afford to lose a day's pay, but you can't leave your son home alone. [[Go to bed so you can work another day. |edLoop]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edAunt.jpg" class="illo"> Your aunt says she will come if you pay for her $30 for her taxi and her time. But you know she will just watch TV and not pay attention to Jimmy. (link: "Spend the $30 so you can go to work.")[(set: $money to it - 30)(goto: "edTrainOnTime")][[Stay home to take better care of Jimmy and lose $120 in pay. |edSick]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it - 8)(set: $counter to it - 10) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/rideshare.jpg" class="illo"> You took a car service to day care and saved time. You drop Jimmy off easily and make a quick turnaround. You have $counter minutes to get to work. (link-goto: "Go to the train.", (either: "edTrainOnTime", "edTrainSingle", "edTrainDisrupt", "edTrainSmoke", "edRide"))[[Seems a little tight—better grab another car service. |rideshareToDowntown]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $counter to 90) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edLeaves.jpg" class="illo"> Luckily, cleaning up is undramatic and you leave work on time. (link-goto: "Head for the train.", (either: "trainToKidsOnTime", "edNightSingle", "edFlood"))(if: $edNew < 3)[(link: "Try something new today.")[(if: $edNew is 0)[(goto: "edBikeShare")(set: $edNew to it + 1)](elseif: $edNew is 1)[(goto: "edVacation")(set: $edNew to it + 1)](elseif: $edNew is 2)[(goto: "uberPoolPromo")(set: $edNew to it + 1)]]][[Treat yourself to a car service to day care, a 30-minute trip for $22. |rideshareToKids]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it - 4.75) (set: $counter to it-10) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edTrainSingle.jpg" class="illo"> At the Largo station the train is single-tracking for SafeTrack repairs and the crowds on the platform are getting larger and larger. The first train that comes is too full to board. (link: "Wait for the next one—the arrival board says 18 minutes wait, then you'll still have a 30-minute trip.")[(set: $counter to it - 18, $money to it + 4.75)(goto: "edTrainOnTime")](link-goto: "Bail and go catch a car. If traffic's okay it'll be $22 and take 30 minutes.", (either: "rideshareToDowntown", "rideshareTrafficJam")) </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br><span class="atWork">at work</span></td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edPromises.jpg" class="illo"> The boss tells you to stay and help set up the banquet room for a party. He doesn't offer overtime. [[Keep quiet and stay—it's still $30 in your pocket for two hours, and your wife can pick up Jimmy today. |edStayLate]][[Refuse to stay. After the day care's late fee, you're only making $10. |edDontStay]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br><span class="atWork">at work</span></td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edMandaStay.jpg" class="illo"> There's another party tonight. The manager has offered you overtime pay. You need the extra money, but you haven't planned to stay late and your son is waiting. [[Stay late—your wife can pick up Jimmy later. Two hours of overtime is $45, which puts $25 in your pocket after the late fee. |edStayLateOT]](link: "Politely decline and head to day care.")[(set: $counter to 100)(goto: "trainToKidsOnTime")] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it-4.75) (set: $counter to it -50) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edSingle.jpg" class="illo"> Service disruption for SafeTrack! It adds an extra 20 minutes to your normal 30-minute trip to go from the train, up to the street to catch the shuttle bus to Eastern Market, where you can get back on the train. (if: $counter > 0)[[[Luckily, you had enough time built in to your commute. Walk in to work right on time. |edWorksOnTime]]](else:)[(link-goto: "You're late, better run!", (either: "edLateBossLater", "edLate"))] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $counter to it - 35, $money to it - 4.75) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edBikeOutcome.jpg" class="illo"> Biking was actually a pleasant 20-minute ride along the mall to Eastern Market, where you catch the SafeTrack shuttle and train home. You think about working it into your commute, and find out that the bike membership is free for low-income riders. <div class="collapsible">(link: "Would you like to know more?")[Capitalbikeshare.com $2 Rides during the SafeTrack. To see if you qualify for free membership, contact Commuter Services at (240) 777-8380 or mcdot.commuterservices@montgomerycountymd.gov.]</div> (if: $counter > 0)[Whew! You make it to day care on time. You pay the day care assistant $30 for the day. (if: $weekCounter is 5)[(link: "Congratulations, you made it through the week!")[(set: $money to it - 30)(goto: "youWin")] ](else:)[(link: "Pay your bill, collect your kid, and head home and get some rest for tomorrow.")[(set: $money to it -30, $counter to 0)(goto: "edLoop")](link: "Pay an additional $5 for early drop-off tomorrow to give you 30 more minutes for your morning commute. Get to bed early tonight.")[(set: $money to it - 35, $counter to 30)(goto: "edLoop")]] ](else:)[You get to the day care late, and pay the $20 late fee. Your bill for today is $50. You need more time to get to work. You find out that early drop-offs are possible for an extra $10 an hour. (if: $weekCounter is 5)[(link: "Thankfully it's Friday! Pay your last fee, you made it through the week.")[(set: $money to it - 50)(goto: "youWin")] ](else:)[(link: "Pay today's bill and head home and get some rest for tomorrow.")[(set: $money to it - 50, $counter to 0)(goto: "edLoop")](link: "Pay an additional $5 for early drop-off tomorrow to give you 30 more minutes for your morning commute. Get to bed early tonight.")[(set: $money to it - 55, $counter to 30)(goto: "edLoop")] ] ] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/youWin.jpg" class="illo"><p class="attribution">Image credit: Sarah Winifred Searle</p> You were late (if: $edTimesLate is 1)[1 time](else:)[$edTimesLate times] and you ended the week with `$`$money. Thanks for playing. [[Play again |start]]<div class="endLinks"><a href="http://wamu.org/metro" class="tw-link" target="_blank">Listen to Metropocalypse to keep up with WMATA Safe Tracks coverage.</a><a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" class="tw-link" target="_blank">See more work from the JoLT team.</a>[[Check out our sources |sources]]</div> </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br><span class="atWork">at work</span></td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edLateBossLater.jpg" class="illo"> You get in late—but the boss is even later! He doesn't notice. You work all day. You're really tired when the end of shift comes. (if: $dayOfWeek is "Monday")[Your boss always has some last-minute job for you to do, but the day care has a late pickup fee of $20 per hour.](else:)[You try to sneak by your boss as you leave so you won't have to pay that $20 late day care fee.] (link-goto: "Hang up your apron in the back and hope to make it out on time.", (either: "edLeaves", "edMandaStay", "edOptStay", "edLeaves2")) </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $edTimesLate to it + 1) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edLate.jpg" class="illo"> "You're late again, Edward! You know our three strikes policy!" [[Promise your boss you will plan better next time. |edPromises]][[It looks like your days are numbered here. Quit before you can get fired and start looking for a job closer to home. |youQuit]] </div>(if: $edTimesLate is 3)[(goto: "youLose")] <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br><span class="atWork">at work</span></td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edLateThreat.jpg" class="illo"> "You'd better!" he says and he huffs off to the chef's office. It's a long day with no shortage of dirty looks and extra menial chores from your boss. (if: $dayOfWeek is "Monday")[He's notorious for asking folks to stay late, but your day care has a strict checkout time policy. Late pickups are $20 per hour.](else:)[You steer clear of him as you leave to avoid that $20 late day care fee.] (link-goto: "Head for the punch clock and hope the boss isn't feeling over-stretched today.", (either: "edLeaves", "edMandaStay", "edOptStay", "edLeaves2")) </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/youQuit.jpg" class="illo"><p class="attribution">Image credit: Sarah Winifred Searle</p> The cost and stress of unreliable transportation is too much. You decide to try to find another job closer to home, even though it will pay less. <a href="http://wamu.org/story/17/01/30/metro-service-cuts-pose-extra-challenges-low-income-riders/" class="tw-link" target="_blank">Here is some more information about how metro service disruption affects low-income workers.</a> Thanks for playing. [[Play again |start]]<div class="endLinks"><a href="http://wamu.org/metro" class="tw-link" target="_blank">Listen to Metropocalypse to keep up with WMATA Safe Tracks coverage.</a><a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" class="tw-link" target="_blank">See more work from the JoLT team.</a>[[Check out our sources |sources]]</div> </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/youLose.jpg" class="illo"><p class="attribution">Image credit: Sarah Winifred Searle</p> You're fired! You are late too many times, and your boss doesn't care that the delays were not your fault. You wonder how you're going to find a new job and pay your bills in the meantime. Thanks for playing. [[Play again |start]]<div class="endLinks"><a href="http://wamu.org/metro" class="tw-link" target="_blank">Listen to Metropocalypse to keep up with WMATA Safe Tracks coverage.</a><a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" class="tw-link" target="_blank">See more work from the JoLT team.</a>[[Check out our sources |sources]]</div> </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it-4.75) (set: $counter to it -51) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edSmoke.jpg" class="illo"> It's $dayOfWeek and there is smoke in the tunnel ahead. The train is delayed indefinitely and your cell phone has no signal underground. You think about the person who died from smoke inhalation last year at the L’Enfant Plaza station. You’re starting to feel anxious. (link-goto: "You're feeling super anxious about being so late without calling in, and you're worried about getting fired. You vow your next job will be closer to home.", (either: "edLate", "edLateBossLater"))(link-goto: "Wait it out. The train will start when it starts.", (either: "edLate", "edLateBossLater")) </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edRide.jpg" class="illo"> Another parent at the day care happens to be heading downtown today and offers you a ride. It'll be 30 minutes straight downtown and no car charge—she says you can get her back some other time. What a great $dayOfWeek! (link: "Thank them and accept the ride to walk in to work right on time.")[(set: $counter to it - 40)(goto: "edWorksOnTime")](link-goto: "Politely decline. You'd rather not owe any favors.", (either: "edTrainSingle", "edTrainOnTime", "edTrainDisrupt", "edTrainSmoke")) </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/uberPoolPromo.jpg" class="illo"> UberPool is having a promotion for the rest of the SafeTrack week. It's $7 from Eastern Market to your neighborhood in Largo. It's a good deal, but it is still $1.25 more than the train. [[Take UberPool. |edUberPool]](link-goto: "Nah, stick to the usual commute.", (either: "trainToKidsOnTime", "edNightSingle", "edFlood")) </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edSingle.jpg" class="illo"> The train is single-tracking because of SafeTrack repairs. It's rush hour and Uber has a 2x surcharge. (link: "With single tracking it will take at least 45 minutes to get home.")[(set: $counter to it - 46, $money to it - 4.75)(goto: "edLongToKids")](link: "You're exhausted. Take that car service to get a 30-minute ride for $56.")[(set: $money to it - 51.25, $counter to it -35)(goto: "edLongToKids")] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edFlood.jpg" class="illo"> You get to the Metro station and you can't believe it. It's pouring rain and water is cascading down the elevator and stairs. The line for the elevator is very long. (link: "Take your chances and wait for the elevator.")[(set: $counter to it -50, $money to it - 4.75)(goto: "edLongToKids")](link: "Wade through the water and ruin your work shoes. It'll be $20 to replace them.")[(set: $money to it - $20, $counter to it - 30)(goto: "edLongToKids")][[Call a car service for $22, it'll take about 30 minutes to get back to Largo. |rideshareToKids]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it -20, $counter to 0) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br><span class="atWork">at work</span></td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/clockSpinRed.gif" class="illo"> Your wife picks Jimmy up from day care an hour late and pays $20 in late fees. You make an extra $30 though, so ultimately you come out a bit ahead. Jimmy gets anxious when you're late, and the day care director is getting annoyed with your tardiness. Your wife is angry that you stayed late without demanding overtime. (if: $weekCounter is 5)[[[Congratulations, you made it through the week! How will you do next week? |youWin]] ](else:)[[[Get home and get some rest for tomorrow. |edLoop]]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br><span class="atWork">at work</span></td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edLateThreat.jpg" class="illo"> "Last week you were late and I let it slide. We need team players here. I'm going to count this as a late strike against you," he warns. [[Give in and stay. |edStayLate]](link: "Take the strike, you have to get Jimmy.")[(set: $edTimesLate to it + 1, $counter to 100)(goto: "trainToKidsOnTime")] </div>(if: $edTimesLate is 3)[(goto: "youLose")] <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it -5, $counter to 0) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br><span class="atWork">at work</span></td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/clockSpin.gif" class="illo"> Your wife picks up Jimmy from day care an hour late and pays $20 in late fees. But by working two hours of overtime you add $45 to your pocket, so ultimately you come out ahead. But the day care director warns that if you keep being late, your child will lose his place there. (if: $weekCounter is 5)[ [[Congratulations, you made it through the week! |youWin]] ](else:)[[[Get home and get some rest for tomorrow. |edLoop]]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it - 4.75) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/kidPickup.jpg" class="illo"> (if: $counter > 0)[You make it to day care on time. You pay the day care assistant $30 for the day. (if: $weekCounter is 5)[(link: "Congratulations, you made it through the week!")[(set: $money to it - 30)(goto: "youWin")] ](else:)[(link: "Pay your bill, collect Jimmy, and head home and get some rest for tomorrow.")[(set: $money to it -30, $counter to 0)(goto: "edLoop")](link: "Pay an additional $5 to add 30 minutes to tomorrow morning's commute, and get to bed early tonight.")[(set: $money to it - 35, $counter to 30)(goto: "edLoop")]] ](else:)[You get to the day care center an hour late. With the $20 late fee, your bill for today is $50. You need more time to get to work. You find out that early drop-offs are possible for an extra $10 an hour. (if: $weekCounter is 5)[(link: "Thankfully it's Friday! Pay your last fee, you made it through the week.")[(set: $money to it - 50)(goto: "youWin")] ](else:)[(link: "Pay today's bill and head home to get some rest for tomorrow.")[(set: $money to it - 50, $counter to 0)(goto: "edLoop")](link: "Pay an additional $5 to add 30 minutes to tomorrow morning's commute, and get to bed early tonight.")[(set: $money to it - 55, $counter to 30)(goto: "edLoop")] ] ] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it - 7)(set: $counter to it -35) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/uberPoolOutcome.jpg" class="illo"> You get lucky and your UberPool is really efficient all the way to Largo. The Uber driver tells you they are looking for drivers. (if: $counter > 0)[You make it to day care on time. You pay the day care assistant $30 for the day. (if: $weekCounter is 5)[(link: "Congratulations, you made it through the week!")[(set: $money to it - 30)(goto: "youWin")] ](else:)[(link: "Pay your bill, collect your kids, and head home and get some rest for tomorrow.")[(set: $money to it -30, $counter to 0)(goto: "edLoop")] (link: "Pay an additional $5 for early drop-off tomorrow to give you 30 more minutes for your morning commute. Get to bed early tonight.")[(set: $money to it - 35, $counter to 30)(goto: "edLoop")]] ](else:)[You get to the day care center past the pickup time. Your bill for today is $50. You ask the day care center about their policy for early drop-offs—maybe you could add a little commute time tomorrow. They say it's $5 per 30 minutes. (if: $weekCounter is 5)[(link: "Thankfully it's Friday! Pay your last fee, you made it through the week.")[(set: $money to it - 50)(goto: "youWin")] ](else:)[(link: "Pay today's bill and head home and get some rest for tomorrow.")[(set: $money to it - 50, $counter to 0)(goto: "edLoop")] (link: "Pay an additional $5 for early drop-off tomorrow to give you 30 more minutes for your morning commute. Get to bed early tonight.")[(set: $money to it - 55, $counter to 30)(goto: "edLoop")] ] ] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it -36) (set: $counter to it -55) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/rideshareTrafficJam.jpg" class="illo"> You're not the only one who decided to avoid the train and drive today. There's a traffic jam on the way in to work. It takes 55 minutes and it costs you $36. (if: $counter > 0)[ [[Walk in through the kitchen entrance and punch in on time. |edWorksOnTime]] ](else:)[(link-goto: "You're late, better run!", (either: "edLateBossLater", "edLate"))] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $counter to it-30) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edWakeLate.jpg" class="illo"> The alarm doesn't go off, and you've overslept by 30 minutes! No time for breakfast. Rouse the kid, give him a cereal bar to eat as you run with the stroller. You make it out the door in 15 minutes. (link-goto: "Run out the door and hope your bus is on time!", (either: "edBusLate", "edBusOnTime"))(link-goto: "This will never work, better grab a car service the whole way.", (either: "rideshareWholeWay", "rideshareTrafficJam")) </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $counter to 90) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edLeaves.jpg" class="illo"> You're in luck. Even though the boss walks by as you're washing up, you make it out on time. (link-goto: "Head for the train.", (either: "trainToKidsOnTime", "edNightSingle", "edFlood"))[(link: "Try something new today.")[(if: $edNew is 0)[(goto: "edBikeShare")(set: $edNew to it + 1)](elseif: $edNew is 1)[(goto: "edVacation")(set: $edNew to it + 1)](elseif: $edNew is 2)[(goto: "uberPoolPromo")(set: $edNew to it + 1)]]][[You're tired. Call a car service to get a 30-minute ride home for $22. |rideshareToKids]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $counter to it -10) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/clock2.jpg" class="illo"> (if: $counter > 60)[You really needed that extra sleep, but you're paying for it in time. You boss says if you're late three times this week, you're fired.] (elseif: $counter > 0)[You're feeling excellently rested, but if you don't get a car service right now you're going to be late for sure.](else:)[(goto: "noShow")] [[Get up and get ready. |edBus]][[Rush out and hail a car service. |rideshareWholeWay]][[Hit snooze again, just 10 more minutes. |edSleep]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it -1.75)(set: $counter to it -35) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edBusLate.jpg" class="illo"> Oh no. The C26 bus takes 25 minutes to come and another 10 to get you to day care. Now you're running late after dropping off Jimmy. (if: $edMadeASign is 1)[(set: $edMadeASign to it + 1) You quickly hang your carpool sign on the day care bulletin board. ](elseif: $edMadeASign is 3)[You've definitely missed your carpool.](else:)[ No time to check on the carpool.] If the train comes on time, you should still get to work in 40 minutes. (link-goto: "Take your chances on the train and run for the Largo station.", (either: "edTrainOnTime", "edTrainSingle", "edTrainDisrupt", "edTrainSmoke", "edRide", "edForgotCard", "edBrokenEscalator"))(if: $edBusNotTrain is true)[[[Take the 50-minute alternate bus route for $1.75. |edAltBus]]](link-goto: "Sounds dicey, pay $22 for a car service that'll make it in 30 minutes if the traffic's okay.", (either: "rideshareToDowntown", "rideshareTrafficJam")) </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/clock2.jpg" class="illo"> You no-call/no-showed, partly because of your transit woes. Your boss called to tell you not to bother coming back. You wonder how you're going to find a new job and pay your bills in the meantime. Thanks for playing. [[Play again |start]]<div class="endLinks"><a href="http://wamu.org/metro" class="tw-link" target="_blank">Listen to Metropocalypse to keep up with WMATA Safe Tracks coverage.</a><a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" class="tw-link" target="_blank">See more work from the JoLT team.</a>[[Check out our sources |sources]]</div> </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $counter to it - 10, $edAllOtherOptions to 0) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/optionsComp.jpg" class="illo"> Here are some other options:(if: $edBusNotTrain is false)[ [[You remember hearing about a bus route to DC as an alternative to the Metro. |edBusNotTrain]]](if: $edCar2go is false)[[[Someone once mentioned Car2Go, a car-sharing service, as another way to get around. |edCar2]]](if: $edMadeASign is 0)[(link: "Look for a carpool at your day care.")[(set: $edMadeASign to it + 1, $edAllOtherOptions to it + 1)(goto: "edBus")]][[This all seems a little dicey, better stick to the regular commute. |edBus]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edBusNotTrain.jpg" class="illo"> The bus route goes from Largo to Farragut West. You would have to change once, and it takes about 50 minutes, the same as the train-shuttle combination for SafeTrack disruptions. At $1.75 it's $3 cheaper than the train. (link: "Write down the route numbers so you can hop on from day care.")[(set: $edBusNotTrain to true, $edAllOtherOptions to it + 1)(goto: "edBus")][[Nah, looks too complicated. |edBus]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $edCar2Go to true, $edAllOtherOptions to it + 1) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edCar2.jpg" class="illo"> You think this car-sharing service might be a solution. It requires a driver's license, credit card and a smart phone. But shoot, it is only available within DC and you live in the suburbs. [[Metro it is, today at least. |edBus]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it - 1.75)(set: $counter to it -50) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edBusFine.jpg" class="illo"> The bus ride was long, but no more crowded than the train and otherwise uneventful. (if: $counter > 0)[[[Walk in to work right on time. |edWorksOnTime]]](else:)[(link-goto: "You're late, better run!", (either: "edLateBossLater", "edLate"))] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it -5) (set: $counter to it -40) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edCarpools.jpg" class="illo"> The carpool is fast, and the other parent is also a Nationals fan, so you have plenty to talk about. You have a pleasant ride to work. (if: $counter > 0)[ [[Walk in to work right on time. |edWorksOnTime]] ](else:)[(link-goto: "You're late, better run!", (either: "edLate","edLateBossLater"))] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edForgotCard.jpg" class="illo"> You get to the turnstyle and realize you've misplaced your SmartTrip card. (set: $counter to it - 5, $money to it - 10) (link-goto: "Head back to the fare machine, lose 5 minutes and $10 for a new card.", (either: "edTrainSingle", "edTrainOnTime", "edTrainDisrupt", "edTrainSmoke")) </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $kidSick to true) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edKidSick2.jpg" class="illo"> Uh oh. Your kid wakes up with a wild fever. He can't go to day care, and you can't just leave him home. [[You can call in sick, but you'll lose $120 in pay. |edSick]][[Or you could try your grumpy aunt. |edAunt]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="title" style="height: auto">Sources</div> <div class="sourcesPassage"><img src="wmataAssets/edBusLate.jpg" class="illo"><p class="attribution">Illustration: Sarah Winifred Searle</p> <div class="sourcesHead">The Washington DC area has highest day care cost in the country:</div><ul><li><a href="http://wamu.org/news/15/08/27/dc_leads_the_nation_in_child_care_costs_but_why">D.C. Is One Of The Most Expensive Places In The U.S. For Child Care. But Why?</a></li><li><a href="http://www.epi.org/publication/what-families-need-to-get-by-epis-2015-family-budget-calculator/">What Families Need to Get By: EPI’s 2015 Family Budget Calculator</a></li><li><a href="http://www.epi.org/resources/budget/">Family Budget Calculator</a></li></ul> <div class="sourcesHead">Day care prices near Largo Town Center:</div><ul><li><a href="https://locality.com/search?utf8=✓&query=Day+Care&loc=largo%2C+md&business_category_query=4ffb5762c9b1684583000002&item_query=&lat=&lng=&sort=&hours=&utc_offset=">Locality search for weekly full time daycare</a></li></ul> <div class="sourcesHead">DC’s richest and poorest metro stops:</div><ul><li><a href="http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/news/city-desk/blog/13067176/the-underground-economy-d-c-s-richest-and-poorest-metro-stops">The Underground Economy: D.C.'s Richest and Poorest Metro Stops</a></li></ul> <div class="sourcesHead">One out of four Metro trains were late in the first half of 2016.</div><ul><li><a href="https://www.wmata.com/about_metro/scorecard/">Metro Scorecard</a></li></ul> <div class="sourcesHead">Low-income workers face serious transportation challenges when they seek employment. Many live in the suburbs but don’t have cars.</div><ul><li><a href="https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-long-journey-to-work-a-federal-transportation-policy-for-working-families/">The Long Journey to Work: A Federal Transportation Policy for Working Families</a></li><li><a href="https://www.brookings.edu/research/the-growing-distance-between-people-and-jobs-in-metropolitan-america/">The growing distance between people and jobs in metropolitan America</a></li></ul> <div class="sourcesHead">For many people on minimum wage, the ends never meet.</div><ul><li><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/doing-the-math-for-many-in-the-dc-area-on-minimum-wage-the-ends-never-meet/2016/09/04/414a3732-6fcc-11e6-8365-b19e428a975e_story.html?tid=a_inl">Doing the math: For many in the D.C. area on minimum wage, the ends never meet</a></li></ul> <div class="sourcesHead">Public transportation often doesn’t serve those who depend on it the most:</div><ul><li><a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2015/02/america_s_transportation_system_discriminates_against_minorities_and_poor.html">America’s Unfair Rules of the Road</a></li><li><a href="https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/economy/report/2016/04/27/135425/can-new-transportation-technologies-improve-equity-and-access-to-opportunity/">Can New Transportation Technologies Improve Equity and Access to Opportunity?</a></li></ul> <div class="sourcesHead">More than 40 million working Americans do not get paid sick leave. So they go to work, even when they are contagious or ailing.</div><ul><li><a href="https://news.uchicago.edu/article/2010/06/21/survey-support-sick-leave-strong-consequences-severe-not-having-benefit">Survey: Support for sick leave strong, but consequences severe for not having benefit</a></li></ul> <div class="sourcesHead">In many areas, the more affordable the housing, the more costly the transportation.</div><ul><li><a href="http://www.cnt.org/projects/redefining-housing-affordability">Redefining Housing Affordability</a></li><li><a href="http://htaindex.cnt.org/map/">H+T Affordability Index</a></li></ul> </div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="characterChoice"><img src="wmataAssets/edWorksOnTime.jpg" class="illo"> Edward has a preschooler and works in a restaurant. He works the lunch shift from 9-5. His job has a three-strikes-and-you're-out policy for being late. <span style="font-weight: bold">Weekly budget:</span> $200 for day care and transit <span style="font-weight: bold">Daily commute time:</span> 90 minutes (link: "Let's get to work")[(set: $money to 200, $weekCounter to 0, $edTimesLate to 0, $kidSick to false, $counter to 0)(goto: "edLoop")] </div> <p style="clear: both"></p> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

<div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/clock.jpg" class="illo"> The alarm goes off, time to get up for work! Your typical 65-minute commute goes like this: it takes about 20 minutes to get your son out the door, 5 minutes to walk to the bus and a 10-minute ride. Then you have about 30 minutes to take the Metro to work. That's if everything goes right ... [[Get Jimmy ready for day care and head for the bus stop. |edBus]][[Hit snooze, just 10 more minutes. |edSleep]] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>

(set: $money to it -5) (set: $counter to it -40) <div class="myPassage"><table class="titleTable"><tr><td class="activeCounter"><span style="font-weight: bold">time:</span><br>$counter min</td><td class="day">$dayImg <br> $dayOfWeek</td><td class="money"><span style="font-weight: bold">money:</span><br> $$money</td></tr></table> <img src="wmataAssets/edCarpools.jpg" class="illo"> The carpool is fast, and you have a pleasant ride to work. (if: $counter > 0)[ [[Walk in to work right on time. |edWorksOnTime]] ](else:)[(link-goto: "You're late, better run!", (either: "edLate","edLateBossLater"))] </div> <div class="timesLate"><span>late: $edTimesLate</span></div><div class="restart">[[restart|edStart]]</div> <div class="logoZone"><p>Commuter Challenge is a joint production between <a href="http://wamu.org" target="_blank">WAMU 88.5</a>, the <a href="https://www.american.edu/gamelab/" target="_blank">AU Game Lab</a>, and the <a href="https://edspace.american.edu/jolt/" target="_blank">JoLT Program</a><br>Written by Maggie Farley, designed + developed by <a href="http://www.teenyrobots.net" target="_blank">Joyce Rice</a>, illustrated by <a href="http://www.swinsea.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Winifred Searle</a></p></div>