| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 54.63 |
| Liaison | Kelly Wellman |
| Submission Date | Jan. 23, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Texas A&M University
OP-21: Support for Sustainable Transportation
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.88 / 2.00 |
Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:
Several building have secure bicycle storage located near the loading dock areas. We are also looking at bike lockers to broaden the user base of secure bicycle parking. Some buildings have shower facilities. The recreation center is also available for a larger number of commuters.
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)?:
A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:
We only have regular bike racks at the residence halls. We do, however, have over 13,000 short term bike parking spaces on campus.
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?:
A brief description of the bicycle/pedestrian policy and/or network:
With the bike paths, lanes, and routes on campus and around the community, in addition to the transit system, connectivity is very thorough.
Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
Borrow A Bike is a free program for those that need the use of a bike for a short period of time. If you borrow a bike today, it is due back by 10:00 a.m. the next morning. If you borrow a bike on Friday, it's not due until the following Monday. Customers may borrow a bike 30 times per year.
The program uses the MaroonBikes since they are designed with durability in mind so the fleet is 100% MaroonBikes.
The program is free to anyone employed by or currently enrolled at Texas A&M University.
We also have a bike share system. It is a round trip system targeting on campus residence and commuters.
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?:
A brief description of the certification, including date certified and level:
Does the institution offer free or reduced price transit passes and/or operate a free campus shuttle for commuters?:
A brief description of the mass transit program(s), including availability, participation levels, and specifics about discounts or subsidies offered (including pre-tax options):
We currently have an expansive no fare shuttle service that takes passengers to and around campus and into the surrounding community. It is funded by a per semester student transportation fee, but it is free for all to ride.
Does the institution offer a guaranteed return trip (GRT) program to regular users of alternative modes of transportation?:
A brief description of the GRT program:
Does the institution participate in a car/vanpool or ride sharing program and/or offer reduced parking fees or preferential parking for car/vanpoolers?:
A brief description of the carpool/vanpool program:
We provide a ride share program online to help faculty staff and students find carpools.
Texas A&M has partnered with Zimride to create a rideshare network on campus. Zimride provides a new form of efficient transportation that integrates social networking into a customized, private A&M network to help users establish trust, maintain their social profiles and allow individuals to split costs by sharing seats in their car with friends, classmates and co-workers. Zimride's program promotes alternative transportation options that can be integrated into the rideshare program to allow users various options of transportation (for commutes or one-time trips).
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?:
A brief description of the car sharing program:
We have implemented a contract with Hertz 24/7. They are now on campus.
Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:
We have 32 Level 2 charging stations on campus.
Does the institution offer a telecommuting program for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
A brief description of the telecommuting program:
The University has an Alternate Work Location program that allows for approval of requests for individual employees to work at an alternate location. This program makes it feasible for an employee to work from another location, if approved in accordance with the established procedure, and therefore minimize use of a personal vehicle or other means of transportation to travel to campus.
Does the institution offer a condensed work week option for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
A brief description of the condensed work week program:
The University has a Flexible Work Schedule option that allows for approval of requests for individual employees to have a work schedule other than 8-5 or another standard shift. This program makes it feasible for an individual employee to obtain approval to work a condensed work week, if approved in accordance with the established procedure.
Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:
This would be extremely inefficient and unproductive as housing near campus for staff is quite expensive. If the economics of the situation develop accordingly, individuals will make that decision for themselves.
Does the institution have other incentives or programs to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and reduce the impact of student and employee commuting?:
A brief description of other sustainable transportation initiatives and programs:
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable transportation program(s) is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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.