Sustainability

Transportation Operations

Alternative Transportation: Commuting Health Issues

Motor vehicles represent the largest single source of atmospheric pollution including nitrogen oxides (a precursor of smog); benzene (a carcinogen); other volatile organic compounds (some of which are hazardous and precursors of smog); particulate matter (a trigger of respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses and symptoms), carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas and contributor to global climate change); and carbon monoxide (contributes to the development of atherosclerosis). By reducing emissions, alternative transportation strategies contribute to healthier air quality, benefiting the health of the building occupants and the surrounding community. Furthermore, the physical exercise involved in the most commonly practiced forms of alternative transportation (public transportation, walking and cycling) promote cardiac, respiratory, and muscular health.

UCMC provides many commuting, parking and public transportation programs to minimize the amount of motor vehicles on campus. For example, we have a car sharing program set up with I-Go and ZipCar; a carpool/vanpool program with reduced parking rates; free local transit via our shuttle system; Chicago Transit Authority 192 Express Buss to link up with the Metra Rail System. Additionally, employees who must drive have a financial incentive to carpool and can receive reduce parking rates.