Bike racks, buses and trains are filling up. These alternative modes of transportation are becoming top choices as high gas prices motivate U commuters to leave their cars at home.
“I drive two minutes to TRAX, take TRAX to the U, then walk,” said Scott Rumple, a sophomore. “I take TRAX because I’m poor and gas is expensive.”
Thirty-five percent of U students, faculty and staff commute to the U via public transit, said Alma Allred, director of Commuter Services. Allred estimates that of the 38,000 people commuting to the U, 14,000 are not driving cars.
“For every person that rides (the bus or TRAX) it’s an average savings of one gallon of gas,” Allred said. “If you average $3.80 (per gallon), that’s about thirteen million dollars. That’s more than we bring in (from) parking tickets.”
Some students are not only taking public transportation, but also giving up on a car commute all together.
Jon Wilkey, a senior in chemical engineering, said the University Line for TRAX has been packed with bicyclists in the mornings since school began.
The rising price of gas and heavy cost to the environment has made driving a car the second choice. Many students prefer and taking public transit, riding a bike or living closer to campus.
Ian Daly, a sophomore in photography, does not see a long commute as an option.
“I wanted to live close to campus so I wouldn’t have to drive (and) to help save gas money, but more importantly to save the environment,” he said.
Allred said the average student’s commute length is 10 miles each way. For those who live off campus, which is the majority of the U’s student body, a tight schedule between work and school challenges many student commuters who want to save money on gas.
Adrienne McAvoy, a junior studying exercise and sport science, said she gets on the bus when she can, but she’s limited because the bus doubles her commute time.
“The public transportation system takes too long and I usually have to go directly to work after classes,” she said.
Gas prices are changing many commuters’ minds, particularly those of students, but parking at the U is another point of distress.
“I commute the way I do (on TRAX) because gas prices and parking are pretty much the two worst things about owning a car,” said Mitch Edmunds, a junior in health education. “Driving to school mixes the two.”
More people are deciding not to drive to reduce hassle, save money, and help the environment, and as the use of public transit and bicycle commuting increases, the green U commuters seem to continue to come up with more reasons to stick with their change.
“I choose (to ride a bicycle) because it’s green, a good form of exercise, cheaper than gas and buying a car, and easier to park. Basically good all around,” said Eric Boscan, a Middle Eastern studies sophomore.