Overall Rating Gold - expired
Overall Score 68.95
Liaison Daryl Pierson
Submission Date June 30, 2016
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Portland State University
OP-21: Support for Sustainable Transportation

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 2.00 / 2.00 Ian Stude
Transportation Options Manager
Transportation and Parking Services
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
Yes

A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:

There are 7 secure, indoor bike parking garages on campus, and one shower facility. These access-controlled areas require a bike parking permit and a PSU access card (available from ID Card Services). Bike parking permits are limited, and sold at the PSU Bike Hub for a small fee ($15 per academic term or $45 per year).


Does the institution provide short-term bicycle parking (e.g. racks) within 50 ft (15 m) of all occupied, non-residential buildings and make long-term bicycle storage available within 330 ft (100 m) of all residence halls (if applicable)?:
Yes

A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:

PSU has more than 2000 bike racks on campus. There are several secure bike parking facilities on campus. These access-controlled areas require a bike parking permit and a PSU access card (available from ID Card Services). Bike parking permits are limited, and sold at the PSU Bike Hub for a small fee ($15 per academic term or $45 per year). Each of these facilities has the following features: 24/7 secure access via ID card, security cameras record entry, exit, and activity within the facility, self-service repair stand with tools, air pump and a bike lock storage rack.


Does the institution have a “complete streets” or bicycle accommodation policy (or adhere to a local community policy) and/or have a continuous network of dedicated bicycle and pedestrian paths and lanes?:
Yes

A brief description of the bicycle/pedestrian policy and/or network:

The PSU campus includes a network of former streets that have been vacated and converted to broad pedestrian thoroughfares. Bicycle access is largely provided by city-maintained facilities on-street, including a 10ft wide "cycle track" or protected bike lane, stretching the length of campus on it's busiest arterial, SW Broadway. All pedestrianized former streets maintain bicycle access as well, and include bicycle parking fixtures outside every building. Green “bike boxes” give cyclists a visible and safe location to wait at intersections. In 2015, PSU received a Bike Friendly University rating of Platinum from the League of American Bicyclists

PSU has a policy allowing faculty and staff to bring bicycles inside buildings to their offices or designated areas in order to free up bicycle parking space outside for students and visitors. The university also maintains a network of secure bicycle parking facilities with approximately 450 spaces.


Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
Yes

A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:

PSU does not have its own bike sharing program, but has plans to participate in the upcoming central city bike share system, BIKETOWN, administered by the City of Portland and available in July 2016. Several stations are being planned for campus, along with a robust communications campaign to engage students and employees. http://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/57983

The Bike Hub refurbishes bikes that have been abandoned on campus and have created a commute-ready fleet of “VikeBikes” that can be rented for up to 3 academic terms (Fall, Winter, Spring & Summer). Our VikeBike fleet has grown to over 130 bicycles that have been refurbished and ready to rent. The cost to check out a VikeBike is just $45 per term. As a member of the VikeBike program, they will receive the following: fully refurbished commuter bicycle with full-length fenders and a rack or basket, set of front & rear lights, already mounted to your VikeBike, quality bike helmet that is adjustable to fit all sizes, U-lock with mounting bracket attached to the bike frame, quarterly membership to the PSU Bike Hub, quarterly bike parking permit for use of one of the secure PSU Bike Garages and Bike Rooms


Is the institution certified as a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists (U.S.) or under a similar third party certification covering non-motorized transportation?:
Yes

A brief description of the certification, including date certified and level:

We currently hold a PLATINUM certification by the League of American Bicyclists as of November, 2015.


Does the institution offer free or reduced price transit passes and/or operate a free campus shuttle for commuters?:
Yes

A brief description of the mass transit program(s), including availability, participation levels, and specifics about discounts or subsidies offered (including pre-tax options):

More PSU students and employees use public transit to reach campus than any other mode of transportation. And for good reason -- PSU is located at the heart of the TriMet transit system with stops for the Portland Streetcar, two MAX light rail lines, and 15 bus routes.

The Student FlexPass and the PSU faculty/staff PassPort program is a partially-subsidized pass for use on the regional transit provider, TriMet. The FlexPass and PassPort are valid for use on all TriMet buses, MAX light rail trains, C-Tran local service buses (non-Express), and the OHSU aerial tram. The FlexPass is valid for 3 months at a time, which covers the entire academic term and the PassPort is an annual pass.The quarterly cost of the FlexPass is roughly 30% off TriMet's retail price. All PSU Students and Employees are allowed to ride the Portland Streetcar system for free.


Does the institution offer a guaranteed return trip (GRT) program to regular users of alternative modes of transportation?:
Yes

A brief description of the GRT program:

PSU faculty and staff are eligible for Emergency Ride Home services at no charge. In the event of an emergency involving the employee or a close family member, we will arrange for a taxi ride to either the employee’s home address or a local medical facility. In order to be eligible, they must have traveled to work that day by non-single occupancy vehicle (transit, bike, walk, carpool).


Does the institution participate in a car/vanpool or ride sharing program and/or offer reduced parking fees or preferential parking for car/vanpoolers?:
Yes

A brief description of the carpool/vanpool program:

PSU participates in the State of Oregon - Drive Less Connect service and we sell Car Pool parking permits that are incentivised by prefered parking locations at a lower cost.


Does the institution participate in a car sharing program, such as a commercial car-sharing program, one administered by the institution, or one administered by a regional organization?:
Yes

A brief description of the car sharing program:

ZipCar Benefit
PSU Faculty and Staff can join ZipCar (a car-sharing company) for free and receive reduced rates for personal driving on weekdays. Use one of the 20 ZipCars on campus. Faculty and Staff are also eligible for ZipCar use for business trips.

ZipCar also offers a deal for PSU students. Students pay only $35/year, plus get $35 in free driving to use during their first month, in addition to lowering the age requirement for students.

PSU is at the heart of the Car2Go service area. Car2Go offers one-way car sharing trips in the central city; 30% of their fleet are EVs, and the rest are Smart Cars.


Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
Yes

A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:

PSU currently has four Level 2 charging stations, dispersed at two key locations on campus. Four additional Level 2 charging stations are offered at the Collaborative Life Sciences Building, which is shared with OHSU and OSU.


Does the institution offer a telecommuting program for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
Yes

A brief description of the telecommuting program:

Telecommuting, is a program under which employees work at a place other than their traditional workplace on specified days and at their primary worksite the remainder of the time, retaining flexibility to meet the needs of the work unit. The telework location may be the employee's home or another suitable location. Employees may use telephones and, in many instances computers, to communicate effectively.

The Chancellor's office supports telework to maximize productive work time, decrease the need for parking and office facilities, reduce energy used for transportation, and decrease traffic congestion, hazards, and air pollution. The Chancellor's office supports telework in situations where it is in the best interest of the University System.


Does the institution offer a condensed work week option for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
Yes

A brief description of the condensed work week program:

Condensed work weeks are available for employees, but are set up within one's department rather than through HR.

It is mentioned on the Telecommuting Policy page. More information can be obtained through HR - 503.725.4926


Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
No

A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:
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Does the institution have other incentives or programs to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and reduce the impact of student and employee commuting?:
No

A brief description of other sustainable transportation initiatives and programs:
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The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable transportation program(s) is available:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.