Fewer UCSD Commuters Driving
Single-Occupancy Vehicles to Work and School, More People Using Alternative Transportation
June 15, 2007
By Brook Williamson
The number of University of California, San Diego commuters driving to the La Jolla campus or the UCSD Medical Center via single-occupancy vehicles has dropped 12 percent in the last six years, down from 66 percent in 2001 to 54 percent in 2007, according to a recent report from the UCSD Department of Transportation and Parking Services (TPS).
“We believe there are many reasons people are not driving alone and instead using alternate transportation such as buses and carpools,” said TPS director Brian D’Autremont. “UC San Diego has made a concerted effort over the last few years to encourage commuters to use alternate transportation to ease congestion and reduce carbon emissions on our campus. The rising price of gas is probably also a factor.”
TPS conducts an annual survey of UCSD commuters, evaluating all forms of entry onto campus and the UCSD Medical Center. “We count everything that moves - cars, bicycles, vanpools, buses, shuttles, motorcycles, and pedestrians - and then we evaluate the productivity of our transportation programs and make adjustments if necessary,” said Sam Corbett, UCSD transportation assistant director.
Among the enhanced transportation programs offered at UC San Diego: the free bus zone has been expanded in partnership with the Metropolitan Transit System and the North County District, the bus pass subsidy has been increased, and the campus now has Flexcars available for loan to people who use alternate transportation.
“It’s all about providing people with options. One option doesn’t work for everyone. The changes we’ve made to our transportation programs are clearly working and we’re thrilled with the results,” said D’Autremont.
The single-occupancy vehicle rate has reduced steadily since 2001 when 66 percent of commuters drove to UCSD facilities alone. Last year, the single-occupancy rate was 57 percent.
“It’s great that we’re seeing an increase in use of alternative transportation at UCSD but we won’t be satisfied until we have a majority of UCSD students, staff and faculty using alternative transportation to get to campus,” said Corbett. “We’re hoping to get our drive alone rate down to 45 percent within the next couple years.”
Other UCSD commuter highlights from the TPS report:
- Overall public bus ridership has more than doubled since last year.
- Carpooling is the most popular alternative transportation choice with 22 percent of people entering the campus via carpool.
- Ten percent of people entering the UCSD La Jolla campus ride one of UCSD’s campus shuttles.
Media Contact: Brook Williamson, 858 534-0361
Interview Contact: Brian D’Autremont, 858 534-9762