Transportation

Commuter emissions can account for 15-20% of the university’s carbon footprint. Single occupant vehicle (SOV) commuting to and from campus contributes the most to traffic congestion, parking constraints, noise and air pollution and emissions. According t

 Commuter emissions can account for 15-20% of the university’s carbon footprint. Single occupant vehicle (SOV) commuting to and from campus contributes the most to traffic congestion, parking constraints, noise and air pollution and emissions. According t

Commuter emissions can account for 15-20% of the university’s carbon footprint. Single occupant vehicle (SOV) commuting to and from campus contributes the most to traffic congestion, parking constraints, noise and air pollution and emissions. According t

According to the CSU Transportation and Parking Policy, campuses shall use and promote transportation options that have the lowest total cost of ownership, lowest carbon emissions and best fit for regional transportation needs to mitigate congestion and pollution while maintaining access to campus. The Office of Sustainability works closely with Parking and Commuter Services and regional partners to improve transportation infrastructure, to deploy education and outreach campaigns, and to develop alternative transportation programs. In 2019 Humboldt was recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists.

 

Goals

In 2017 Humboldt commissioned a Parking Market Demand Analysis & Financial Feasibility Study. Key study goals include

  • Minimize vehicular traffic on campus
  • Help people to not bring cars to campus
  • Find alternative ways to meet demand

 Humboldt is following recommendations in the Parking Market Demand Study to curb parking constraints and improve commuter services to campus in a sustainable manner. 

 

Status

Commuter emissions can account for 15-20%  of the university’s carbon footprint. Single occupant vehicle (SOV) commuting to and from campus contributes the most to traffic congestion, parking constraints, noise and air pollution and emissions. According to the 2022-23 Commuter Survey, we saw a 1% decrease in the number of staff commute trips by single occupant vehicle, but a 4% increase by faculty and a 3% increase by students.

 

Projects

  • Jack Pass program uses ID card to ride local bus systems (Parking & Commuter Services) – ongoing
  • Zipcar car-sharing program with five vehicles to reserve by the hour or day (Parking & Commuter Services) – ongoing
  • Humboldt Bikeshare Program with bicycles available to rent at two stations on campus and in Arcata (Office of Sustainability) – ongoing
  • Faculty/Staff RideMatch Service - ongoing
  • Free virtual One-on-One Commute Consultations with a Commuter Specialist - ongoing
  • Bicycle Learning Center student-run bike shop on campus provides instruction, tools and parts (Associated Students) – ongoing
  • Carpool Preferential Parking incentivizes carpooling to campus (Parking & Commuter Services) – ongoing
  • Homeward Bound Bus Charter offers discounted round-trip transportation to Los Angeles and San Francisco (Parking & Commuter Services) – ongoing
  • Establish a Sustainable Transportation Committee - completed
  • Electric vehicle charging stations in the G12 parking lot - completed

 

Next Steps

  • Launch Student RideMatch service
  • Develop a Commuter Club program to build a campus community of sustainable commuters
  • Develop, fund and implement a transportation demand management (TDM) plan
  • Develop remote parking with public transportation services to campus
  • Better align local bus schedules with class schedules

 

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