University of Pittsburgh
OP-15: Campus Fleet

The University of Pittsburgh has a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from direct transportation 50% by 2030 (from a 2013 regional baseline), while also reducing Pitt Shuttle fuel usage by 3% annually between FY2018 and FY2030.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Pitt currently owns 5 electric vehicles, 1 electric Club Car driven by Pitt Athletics and 4 Mitsubishi Fuso electric box trucks operated by Pitt Logistics to fulfill deliveries around campus. The 4 box trucks replaced diesel-powered vehicles, eliminating localized air pollutants, reducing global greenhouse emissions, and reducing noise levels in the busy urban center where the University is located.

Learn more about Pitt’s electric box trucks: https://www.sustainable.pitt.edu/4-fuso-electric-box-trucks/

FLEET TRANSITION

Relatedly, in September 2020, the University of Pittsburgh expanded its existing partnership with Enterprise and entering into an agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management to eventually lease electric and hybrid vehicles for all future Pitt vehicles (current fleet is 217). As current rollover vehicle leases expire, the University will work with Enterprise on replacing vehicles with hybrid and electric vehicles (around 60 vehicles annually). Due to vehicle types, none of the initial 32 vehicles delivered in Fall 2020 were hybrids or other alternative fuel vehicles, though several of the 60 vehicles to be delivered in 2021 are expected to be. It is the University’s intention to fully electrify its vehicle fleet.

Learn more about Pitt / Enterprise Fleet partnership: https://www.sustainable.pitt.edu/pitt-fleet-expands-electric-hybrid-options-via-enterprise-partnership/

SHUTTLES

Pitt does not own or lease its 20 shuttles (which serve 11 routes) but does direct their fuel usage. These shuttles serve nearly 1 million riders annually. As a result, starting in July 2020, Pitt partnered with its shuttle provider to shift 18 of these vehicles to a new state-of-the-art propane-powered shuttle buses, which will help Pitt reach carbon reduction goals and improve local air quality. Along with new amenities like passenger-counting technology and WiFi, the shuttles contribute to a 33% reduction in carbon emissions from Pitt’s shuttle operations (previously a mix of gasoline and 5% biodiesel vehicles) until the shuttle fleet can be electrified.

Because the University has sole utilization of these shuttles and directed their fueling shift, these 18 vehicles ARE accounted for in the calculation above (under CNG as there is no propane category)

Learn more about Pitt’s new propane shuttles: https://www.sustainable.pitt.edu/shuttle-propane-switch