Updated from original target in FY21 Sustainability Action Plan “12% or less of commutes are single-occupancy by 2028.”
Transportation accounts for 45% of total carbon emissions in the state of Washington. Reducing the campus drive alone rate reduces greenhouse gases and other impacts on our transportation system, but also increases accessibility for those moving around the community. At all three campuses, the University is committed to developing policies and programs to increase use of sustainable commuting while advocating for increased transportation options with our local, regional, and state agencies.
The target was updated starting in FY2022 to reflect a reduction for Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses.
Target actions for 2023
- Encourage sustainable transportation options
- Improve active transportation infrastructure and access
- Promote U-CAR and UW Shuttle service for mid-day travel
Sustainability plan guiding principles
- Ensure students achieve sustainability literacy
- Choose our research conscientiously
- Keep equity and inclusion at the center
- Use resources responsibly
- Decarbonize
Target actions for 2023
Steps we will take in FY 2023
- Advocate for increased transit service levels
- Implement free transit fares for 18 and under
The fully-subsidized U-PASS for all employees was approved in the Spring and was effective July 1, 2022. This expansion covers an additional 22,000 employees across all campuses and medical centers, giving them subsidized access to most public transit options in our region.
Transportation Services will continue to advocate for increased transit service levels from regional partners to provide commuting options for all employees and students.
This fall, Transportation Services will also work to implement free transit fares for students and staff 18 years old and under, in accordance with new state policy.
Steps we will take in FY 2023
- Complete a long-term bicycle parking plan for the Seattle campus
- Launch scooter share
Transportation Services will complete a long-term bicycle parking plan for the Seattle campus. This study includes an evaluation of the current bike locker program to determine technology improvements to improve utilization and customer experience. They will expand bike parking options by opening three new bike houses on the Seattle campus, providing expanded capacity for 150 bicyclists. They are also evaluating the parking infrastructure at the Bothell campus.
Transportation Services expects to launch scooter share vendor operations on the Seattle campus, with contracts similar to existing bikeshare agreements.
Steps we will take in FY 2023
- Develop and implement a marketing plan for UW Shuttle services to UW Medical Center employees and patients.
- Develop and implement a marketing plan for U-CAR service at all three campuses.
Transportation Services will develop and implement a marketing plan for U-CAR service on all three campuses, and develop and implement a marketing plan encouraging use of UW Shuttle services to UW Medical Center employees and patients.