| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.35 |
| Liaison | Christa Rieck |
| Submission Date | Nov. 23, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Houston
OP-21: Support for Sustainable Transportation
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.50 / 2.00 |
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None
Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
No
None
A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:
We offer showers and lockers to all members of the Campus Recreation Center. There are no current facilities for storage, but a project to renovate a portion of a garage for secure bike storage is underway. All students are members of the Rec Center, which is included in their student fees. Faculty and staff can also purchase memberships.
None
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)?:
No
None
A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:
Bike racks are near every building on campus, but the distance from the building isn't confirmed. No long term bicycle storage is currently available on campus.
None
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?:
No
None
A brief description of the bicycle/pedestrian policy and/or network:
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None
Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
No
None
A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
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None
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?:
No
None
A brief description of the certification, including date certified and level:
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None
Does the institution offer free or reduced price transit passes and/or operate a free campus shuttle for commuters?:
Yes
None
A brief description of the mass transit program(s), including availability, participation levels, and specifics about discounts or subsidies offered (including pre-tax options):
Students receive 50% off all Metro fares, UH Parking and Transportation subsidizes 25% of faculty/staff fares as a member of the commuter club. All campus members can utilize the free campus shuttles.
None
Does the institution offer a guaranteed return trip (GRT) program to regular users of alternative modes of transportation?:
Yes
None
A brief description of the GRT program:
If a student/faculty/staff that is a Commuter Club Member lives within 25 miles of the UH campus Parking Transportation and Safety will pay for a taxi to take them home. If they live more than 25 miles from the UH Campus, PTS will provide a car share vehicle for one day at no cost.
None
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
None
A brief description of the carpool/vanpool program:
For carpooling, the campus commuter club keeps a registry of carpoolers on campus for others to take part in. Additionally, a ride matching service is being developed. For vanpooling, Parking and Transportation Services is currently working with METRO to develop new vanpool opportunities. Currently there are 2 routes actively running.
None
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
None
A brief description of the car sharing program:
The University of Houston has launched a new partnership with Zipcar, Inc., the world's leading car sharing network, to offer a car sharing program on campus. The convenient transportation option is now available at an affordable rate 24 hours a day, seven days a week for students, faculty and staff ages 18 and older, as well as members of the local community ages 21 and over.
The University offers four vehicles, with one each located at Cougar Place, Bayou Oaks, Calhoun Lofts and Cougar Village I. Zipcars are available on-demand and can be easily reserved and accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This year, University Houston members can join for $25, with rates for Zipcar vehicles on campus starting as low as $6.50 per hour and $69 per day. After the first year, members will pay an annual membership fee of $35. Gas, insurance, a reserved parking spot and up to 180 miles of driving per day are included in Zipcar rates, and cars can be reserved for as little as an hour or for multiple days. University of Houston students, faculty and staff can join Zipcar at www.zipcar.com/uh.
None
Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
No
None
A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:
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None
Does the institution offer a telecommuting program for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
Yes
None
A brief description of the telecommuting program:
An employee whose work lends itself to flexibility of location may telecommute. The employee must be under no disciplinary action and have been employed by the department for at least one year. Details of the telecommuting arrangement must be agreed to in writing and approved by department leadership.
None
Does the institution offer a condensed work week option for employees as a matter of policy or as standard practice?:
Yes
None
A brief description of the condensed work week program:
In the interest of efficiency, traffic, public safety or work preferences of employees, a department may choose to allow flextime. These schedules must be approved by department management and may also be subject to HR review. The 40 hour per week work standard must be enforced, even in a compressed workweek option.
None
Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
No
None
A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:
NA
None
Does the institution have other incentives or programs to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and reduce the impact of student and employee commuting?:
Yes
None
A brief description of other sustainable transportation initiatives and programs:
The Office of Sustainability released a campus wide bike survey in 2014 and 2015 to assess the campus biking climate. The survey results are currently being compiled and will include recommendations to university administration. Additionally the office has hosted social bike rides and Bike to UH Day in May 2015.
A bike repair station was installed near one of the residence halls, and students can now request and pick METRO Q cards on campus. UH is the first non-METRO institution that METRO allows to print Q cards.
Campus Commuter Services hosts events and a commuter cost calculator to show people how much money they are spending on commuting, in addition to online course material.
None
The website URL where information about the institution’s sustainable transportation program(s) is available:
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.