New University of Chicago “Commuter Choice” Program
September 18, 2008
University Transportation and Parking Services has started a new program to encourage alternative transportation in concert with other major universities in Chicago, the city, and the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. The program, named “Commuter Choice,” is focused on managing demand for transportation, in order to reduce demand for parking and reduce pollution from single-occupancy vehicles.
Upcoming events include a bike sale and tune-up workshop during Orientation Week and the first week of Fall Quarter, as well as a Campus Commuter Challenge, which will pit students and employees of four different universities in Chicago (Loyola, Northwestern, UIC) against each other to see who can make the best use of alternative transportation.
There are also longer-term projects in the works, such as a program subsidizing gym memberships for employees who bike to work, and an indoor, protected bike parking area.
These efforts complement T&PS existing demand management efforts - Guaranteed Ride Home, Occasional Parking, Carpool Parking and Car-Sharing. Combined with the University’s subsidized CTA routes (170, 171, 172, 173, 174 & 192) and evening bus program, a growing number of University commuters are finding other ways to get to campus than driving alone.
For more information on existing transportation programs, and to submit suggestions or concerns, see the T&PS alternative transportation page or email Phil Underwood.
