| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 56.90 |
| Liaison | Paul Mathisen |
| Submission Date | April 16, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
OP-21: Support for Sustainable Transportation
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.25 / 2.00 |
Liz
Tomaszewski Facilities Systems Manager/Sustainability Coordinator Facilities Department |
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:
WPI offers covered and secure bicycled storage facilities in the East Hall residence hall as well as the Park Avenue Parking Garage. There is also a bicycle fix-it station at the Park Avenue Garage. Changing room and showers for commuter are available in Morgan Hall and in the Sports & Recreation Center.
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:
Exterior bicycle storage racks are available adjacent to all academic and residential WPI buildings.
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:
A student Interactive Qualifying Project Team has developed a bicycle path project with the objective of establishing bicycling paths linking Worcester colleges with the downtown area. This IQP has resulted in a commitment from the Department of Public Works and Parks (DPW&P) of the City of Worcester to support a working group tasked with the planning of such bicycle paths.
Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
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):
Gateway Shuttle: The Gateway Shuttle provides safe and no-cost transportation to all the WPI Community. There are five (5) Gateway Shuttle van stops. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8:30AM to 5:30PM. The Shuttle service is provided on holidays and during recess/breaks except on Thanksgiving and Christmas recess.
CityRide: This Friday and Saturday night shuttle service shared with four other campuses will bring students to desirable spots for foods, shopping, and entertainment. CityRide is a free service for a full time undergraduate student from WPI with their student ID.
WRTA: The Worcester Regional Transit Authority offers semester and discounted passes for college students. With 42 routes around the city, this safe, easy, and affordable mode of transportation will allow anyone to get to a local festival, movie, or shopping location.
Union Station: Union Station is home to Amtrak, the commuter rail service to Boston, as well as buses for Greyhound, Peter Pan, and the WRTA. These transportation options are available all year. Students passes are available and WPI partners with Amtrak Downeaster to offer students 6 one-way trips for only $86.
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:
WPI offers reserved parking spots in East Hall Parking garage for car poolers. WPI also provides a carpool matching program through CarpoolWorld.
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:
WPI students and employees are offered discounted membership in Zipcar's carsharing service, which has several cars located 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:
WPI installed one Dual Coulomb Technologies ChargePoint Electric Vehicle charging stations in 2011 and another dual ChargePoint charging station in 2012. These four charging units are available to the entire WPI community and Worcester community.
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:
Departments may offer telecommuting under certain circumstances.
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:
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:
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.