| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 55.88 |
| Liaison | Jim Walker |
| Submission Date | April 30, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Texas at Austin
OP-21: Support for Sustainable Transportation
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
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indicates that no data was submitted for this field
None
Does the institution provide secure bicycle storage (not including office space), shower facilities, and lockers for bicycle commuters?:
Yes
None
A brief description of the facilities for bicycle commuters:
Belmont Hall (within the stadium) and Anna Hiss Gym have showers that are free to all UT ID card holders. Lockers are free with a Recreation Sports membership ($25/month for staff, free for students). There are several bike racks protected by open-air garages.
Indoor bike storage is generally considered unnecessary because the weather in Austin, TX is mild. There is a documented bike theft problem on campus, which Parking & Transportation services counteracts with bike registration and posted guidelines on securing bikes. Also, the sheer volume of bikes (thousands) on campus make indoor bike storage impractical.
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)?:
Yes
None
A brief description of the bicycle parking and storage facilities:
Short term bicycle parking is provided within 50 ft of 97% of all occupied buildings on the main UT Austin campus. The Pickle Research Campus has a far lesser demand for bicycle parking and only 1% of buildings have short term bicycle parking. Long-term bicycle storage is available within 300ft of all residence halls in the form of long-term bicycle racks.
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?:
Yes
None
A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
The Orange Bike Project is a program housed under Parking and Transportation Services Center at the university that provides students with more sustainable choices for transportation. They have volunteers, enthusiasm, and access to used bikes, tools, and a space in which to work. Through their program, students are able to “check out” a bike just as if they were checking out a library book and keep the bike for the entire semester. This allows many students to make their bike their primary mode of transportation. Further, the Orange Bike Program now offers a Daily Rental Program, where commuter style bikes can be rented on a short term basis for an economical fee.
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?:
Yes
None
A brief description of the certification, including date certified and level:
Certified Bronze in fall 2013.
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):
The UT Shuttle System is the largest university shuttle system in the country, with 14 routes and over 7.5 million passengers annually. The shuttle system provides an easy and cost effective way for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to access the UT campus. UT students, faculty, and staff may ride the shuttles at no charge with a valid UT photo ID.
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:
All carpoolers and vanpoolers are automatically enrolled in the GRH program, providing a safety net for emergency situations. If you need to leave the University before the carpool is ready because of an emergency a ride can be provided by mass transit or taxi. If you live outside the Capital Metro service area, a ride by taxi will be arranged. Under this program each carpool member will be eligible for up to two cab rides home per semester (or six times per academic year). PTS will pay for up to $49.50 per cab ride, and the rider is responsible for any additional charge and driver gratuity.
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:
The University of Texas at Austin carpool and vanpool programs strongly supports efforts to reduce traffic congestion and curb vehicle pollution in the Austin area. Carpool/Vanpool members are provided numerous incentives to share the commute with a fellow co-worker or student. Reserved carpool parking spaces are available throughout the campus. These reserved spaces are open to all carpoolers pertaining to your permit on a first-come first served basis, on weekdays until 10:00 a.m. Please view the campus parking map for reserved carpool space locations. Registered vanpoolers receive special parking arrangements near the driver's place of work/class. For both carpool and vanpool members the permit cost is reduced by $50 for each registered UT Austin employee and student rider (excluding the driver) up to the cost of the permit.
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 Texas at Austin has built a long term relationship with Zipcar who is the official car share vendor for the campus community.
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:
It is the policy of The University of Texas at Austin to permit telecommuting work arrangements when it is in the best interests of the University and when it will enhance the productivity of the employee. (Handbook of Operating Procedures)
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:
Human Resources supports the creation of flexible work weeks and condensed schedules per agreement between supervisor and employee by providing an interactive form to create a request for the flexible schedule, and tips for making the request. Many employees at UT use a flexible work arrangement.
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:
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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?:
No
None
A brief description of other sustainable transportation initiatives and programs:
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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.