| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 56.23 |
| Liaison | Jim Walker |
| Submission Date | June 14, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Texas at Austin
OP-18: Support for Sustainable Transportation
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.80 / 2.00 |
Blanca
Gamez Director Parking and Transportation Services |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
Support for Cyclists and Pedestrians
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.
Does the institution provide short-term bicycle parking for all occupied buildings and makes long-term bicycle storage available for students who live on-site (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.
Does the institution have a bicycle and pedestrian plan or policy (or adhere to a local community plan/policy) that sets standards and practices for campus streets to enable safe access for all users?:
No
A brief description of the bicycle and pedestrian plan or policy:
---
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:
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.
UT Austin recently announced a partnership with Austin BCycle.
https://austinbicycle.com/University-of-Texas-Bikeshare
Mass Transit Programs
Yes
A brief description of the mass transit programs:
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.
Guaranteed Return Trip Program
Yes
A brief description of the guaranteed return trip 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.
Carpool/Vanpool Programs
Yes
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.
Car Sharing Program
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.
EV Recharging Stations
No
None
A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:
---
Telecommuting and Condensed Work Week Programs
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)
Does the institution offer a condensed work week option that reduces employee commuting (as a matter of policy or standard practice)?:
Yes
A brief description of the condensed work week option:
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.
Other Strategies to Reduce the Impacts of Commuting
No
None
A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:
---
Does the institution employ other strategies to reduce the impact of commuting (e.g. preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles, cash-out of parking programs)?:
No
A brief description of other strategies to reduce the impact of commuting:
---
Optional Fields
Additional documentation to support the submission:
---
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
https://parking.utexas.edu/bike/orange-bike-project
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.