Sustainable Transportation Future Plans Dalhousie University Office of Sustainability – October 2009 Discussion Document
Sustainable Transportation System One that allows the basic access needs of individuals and societies to be met safely and in a manner consistent with human and ecosystem health, and with equity within and between generations. Association for Commuter Transportation of Canada, 2008.
Importance Green House Gas Reduction Health and Safety Private Costs Employee Benefit Infrastructure Costs Energy security
In 2002, transportation emissions accounted for about 53% of NOX, 59% of carbon monoxide, 24% of VOCs, 3% of sulphur oxides, and 5% of particulate matter (PM2.5) – the major constituents of urban smog. —Sustainable Development Strategy 2007-2009, Transport Canada
Sustainable Transport includes: TDM, Transportation Supply, and Land Use
FCM, 2008
Background Received funding from Transport Canada to conduct sustainable transport planning in 2009 Worked with staff and students conduct online survey - approx. 3000 employees and student filled out Held five focus groups on campus on topic areas Conducted literature receive and advice from sustainable transport expert Analyzed commuting patterns through postal codes
Background Through planning process established partnerships with Clean Nova Scotia (staff support for program pilots) and Halifax Regional Municipality (Safe Ride Home Pilot). Activity and awareness building, low cost.
Purpose Solidify action and funding plans for Sustainable Transportation Programs at Dalhousie Gather feedback from campus community on potential sustainable transport options based on data collected to date. - Meetings (power point presentation and discussions) - Fall 2009 - On-line survey – October 2009 - Campus workshop – Nov 2009
Conduct additional research and pilot programs 2009-2011 Formalize Sustainable Transportation position, committee, and programs 2011 - 2012
What We have Learned Faculty and Staff: Primary Primary= 70-100% 19%
39%
Faculty and Staff: Secondary = 30-69% Secondary
25%
14%
3%
Walk Bike Transit Drive Alone Carpool Skate
15%
28%
21% 21%
15%
Blended: Walk 26%, Bike 7%, Transit 16%, Drive Alone 34%, Carpool 17% 66% use Sustainable Transport (based on 3500 employees or 2310)
What We have Learned Students Secondary
Students Primary
0%
0% 3%
10%
Walk
11%
Bike
10%
31%
Transit 22%
Drive Alone 60% 4%
Carpool Skate
36%
Blended Rate: Walk 51%, Bike 7%, Transit – 26%, Drive alone 11 %, Carpool 5 % 89% use Sustainable Transport (based on 15,000 students 13,350)
13%
Parking Rates The median rate for unreserved yearly parking in Canada now averages $2460. Surface lots in Halifax average $1320 yearly. University yearly parking rates vary across the country. University of Ottawa: $1051 surface; $1560 garage University of Manitoba: $567 surface Queens: $876 surface main, $1200 parkade Dalhousie: $220 surface, $1000 - 1200 parkade, Bus Pass HRM - $850 a year
How should sustainable transportation programs be funded at Dalhousie (Survey Response)? 26%
30% 41%
42% 31% 2%
Percentage of parking fees External grants Base budget allocation Faculty/Staff
27% 2%
Percentage of parking fees External grants Base budget allocation Students
Key programs 2008 Student U pass 550 bike parking spots Since survey • Launched campus bike centre • Bike infrastructure maps and plans • Researching employee bus program
Goals Provide employee and student benefits through the provision of accessible and affordable sustainable transportation options. Enhance safety of sustainable transportation options. Shift more commuters to use sustainable transportation modes. Make sustainable transportation programs a factor in drawing students and employees to the university. Provide learning and skills opportunities that promote active transportation health, economic, and environmental benefits
Outcomes, Indicators, and Measures Outcomes
Indicators/Measures
• Greenhouse Gas reduction.
• TDM mode - KM travelled
• Criteria Air Contaminant reduction.
• Greenhouse Gases - tonnes of co2e reduced
• Increased employee and student satisfaction and personal savings. • Recognized leader in sustainable transport. • Increased trips using sustainable transport.
• Kgs of Criteria air contaminants. (CACs) air pollutants reduced • Awards, media coverage, requests for presentations. Number and Type. • Satisfaction level increase. Level.
Total: Modal Shift Opportunities – approx 3000 people, 30,000 km, over 1000 tonnes, future targets: 200 tonnes Active transport; 400 car pool, 400 transit
Program Options – Travel Avoidance Program
Costs
Benefits
Teleworking Policy
Human/Minimal
Clear policy More users Reduced GHGs/CAC
Scheduling changes
Human/Significant
Student increase? More travel options Reduce peak
Online courses and meeting
Human/Med.-Sig
More students? Reduced business travel Reduced GHGs/CAC Work-Life Balance
Program Options – Cycling/Walking Program
Costs
Benefits
Bike Share
1. Automated Racks- swipe cards and 30 bikes $160,000 capital. $20,000 operating 2. Swipe Shelters below plus bikes increases bike parking $20,000 cap.
Mode switch intercampus, build culture, leadership
Bike Centre/Loan
$8000 start up $20,000 on going (staff/programs) $400 per bike for term loans Other program costs off set by camps
Student engagement, education, programs
Bike Racks/Covers
$300 – 500 per new parking spot. Identified
Support new bikers
Showers
Create access to Atheletics and upgrade existing facilities, requirement in new blds
Support existing and new active transport
Intercampus Path
10,000 – 70,000+ (depends if part of active transport reconstruction)
Mode switch intercampus, build culture, leadership
HRM Connectivity
Staff time to meet with HRM, meeting with community groups, comment
Community Leadership, better access
Bike Shelters
Three Shelters for loan and secure parking. 50-90 k
All above
Program Options - Transit Program
Costs
Benefits
Employee Bus Program
Subsidized 20-40% . Part University 25% – Part Transit 15% ? $170,000 Dal. Human – set up and run. $12,000 annually
Trip change – Target 400 new riders and 400 existing riders to add 800. Benefit to all employees. Incentive has to be able to compete with parking.
Summer Student Pass
Negotiated with Metro Transit and Students. Subsidized rate achieved by volume.
Trip change – Target 200 new riders .
Ongoing discussion about routes, service, and bike lanes
Staff time.
Potentially improved service.
Program
Program Options – Shared Transport Costs
Benefits
Car Pool & Educational Events like Commuter Challenge and Sustainable Transport Fair, greening fleet and Idle free campaign and signs Car Share
Educational Material and Staff time.
Costs avoided from creating new parking; employee benefit – retention and recruitment tool; Dal would be a leaders, GHG and health impacts reduced; less strain on existing parking
Joining Fees: set up fee plus There will be a one time only $35 Drivers Application fee for each employee Usage Fees: The Workplace Guaranteed Fleet base fee will be $1,000 a month, providing 180 hours a month of exclusive access for the Dal Drivers List use. This works out to $5.13 per hour.. General fleet is $9 an hour.
Employee benefit, $ savings for work with 20-30 km meetings vs. cab
Guaranteed Ride Home
Pilot for HRM – staff time, other program costs are covered by HRM
Support Commuter Options, employee benefit
Funding Strategy for discussion purposes (Parking Fee) %
Grants & Sponsorship
Base Budget
Revenue Other
Sustainable Transport Capital (Getting Started) with Option 1 Bike Share
$25,000 - $40,000 (bike path, racks) + other TBD projects
$ 23,000 (bike share, loan, hub, path)
$15,000 – 30,000 (Space renovations for Bike Hub and Loan areas. (Facilities Request A&R)
Sustainable Transport 2 Bike Share – automated stations
$50,000 – 65,000 (bike path, special painted bikes, racks) + other TBD projects
$163,000 (3 automated bike loan stations, bikes, hub, path)
$15,000 – 30,000 (Space renovations for Bike Hub and Loan areas. (Facilities Request A&R)
TBD
$49,200 - $60,000 – 50% cost of employee bus program
Bike Racks and covers – 10,000 Facilities Budget? Money potentially from automated bike loan system or membership ($1000) Departmental Budgets for Car Share.
Annual Operating Costs of Programs
$168,400 (This Budget will afford 1 FTE at $40,000 plus program funds for a TDM coordinator, money for an employee bus program , student summer pass, student staff to run bike programs, 2 spots for car share, carpooling discounts, and small maintenance budget for paths and showers, and %50 cost of racks, covers, storage) Currently parking rates do not pay for operations. 2010 projections suggest a deficit of $150,618. An increase of $160-$250 per annum would cover operating deficits and these new programs
Organizational Structure Options Transportation group added to Parking in Facilities Commuter Options group and TDM coordinator with Office of Sustainability Transportation committee report to Vice-Pres FA in addition to parking and security TDM committee under President’s Advisory Council
Learnings Good data helps to creates an ability to set priorities, and work on cultural, funding and partnership strategies The Office has to “get into� parking and advocate for a parking strategy Build partnerships at university and community in advance of issues like collective agreement discussions. Create something for everyone.
Dalhousie Future? Increase enrollments Increasing land value in urban centre Sustainability leader Benefits – Bike Centre, employee bus pass, student summer bus pass, guaranteed ride home, carpooling discounts…. Parking – easier cheaper short term parking, more expensive longer-term parking …
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach NECSC Presentation October 27, 2009 Mary Ellen Mallia University at Albany
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Rationale for study
Future trends, current opportunities
Incorporation with sustainability initiatives Description of project Lessons learned Keeping it relevant Factors beyond your control
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
What forces and trends will we have to live with?
Increasing gas prices Search for alternatives by campus community Not as many opportunities for new transportation technologies Reliance on cars as a main means of commuting Increased emphasis on cutting carbon emissions
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Which things can we influence?
Availability of alternative transportation strategies
Carpooling, vanpooling, car sharing, mass transit, bike sharing, safe opportunities to bike/walk
Communicating options available in a successful manner
Awareness and accessibility of information Pamphlets, fliers (electronic and yes, hard copy), special event days, incorporation with established outreach such as orientation (both employees and students)
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Where do we want to take our sustainability efforts?
Incorporate into the culture of the institution Garner a level of importance on par with other established divisions at the senior staff level Increase awareness and accessibility Garner a large support base among campus community Establish key partnerships Secure adequate funding
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
How do we want to do it?
Gather data to support the need for sustainable efforts Develop both internal and external partnerships Seek funding through multiple sources, i.e. grants to conduct studies Get senior staff on board to be aware of needs and support efforts Develop student and employee based organizations around sustainability
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Reasons for project
Anticipating an increase in the need for mass transit alternatives, in part spurred by the experience of $4 per gallon gas and the reaction of our employees, the need to analyze our alternative transportation strategies was identified
A sustainable transportation package was researched by the office of environmental sustainability and presented to the director of parking and mass transit and the university comptroller
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Reasons for project
One item identified was the need to document commuting patterns of the campus community
Coincidently, the city transit authority and nearby state office buildings were conducting a transportation survey
Also a grant to fund transportation studies was issued by NYSERDA
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Overview of project
Funded through NYSERDA and DOT Partnership between
Planning & Geography department Parking & Mass Transit Office of Institutional Research Nearby state office buildings
Project began last spring and will continue through this summer
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Overview of project
GIS analysis on parking permits issued on campus GPS analysis on bus schedules Analysis of current mass transit options Incorporation of data from other state agencies Campus transportation survey Focus groups to analyze use and marketing opportunities Final report
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Current status of project
Preliminary GIS completed GPS protocol completed GPS data being gathered Survey created, waiting for IRB approval
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
GIS analysis
GIS: geographic information systems Parking permit data from fall 2008 obtained from Parking & Mass Transit Graduate student performed GIS analysis based on zip codes to determine commuting density patterns These patterns are being matched against mass transit routes
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
GIS analysis
Data obtained from nearby state office buildings from commuter survey issued last fall Graduate student performed GIS analysis based on zip codes to determine commuting density patterns These patterns are being matched against mass transit routes These patterns are also being compared to University commuting patterns
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
GIS analysis
Second level of analysis is being done based on street level address Another wave of analysis on will be done on university permit data from this fall in order to observe any changes in patterns
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
GPS analysis
GPS – global positioning system A protocol on gathering GPS data was developed by a graduate student Undergraduate students were hired to ride bus routes (both university and city fleet) and gather GPS data This data will be analyzed against stated bus schedules to determine on time reliability
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Campus transportation survey
Completed in conjunction with professor of geography and planning, institutional research and advisory committee Draft based on previous survey distributed at state offices and city transit authority Survey to be issued on line and results analyzed to better determine commuting use, patterns and services desired
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Focus groups Focus groups to be conducted this spring in conjunction with professor of marketing Names will be generated in part through interested parties identified by survey Focus groups will concentrate on reasons why mass transit is not used, desired services and best practices to determine successful marketing strategies
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Final Report
Ideally the report will entail
Current commuting patterns Opportunities there are for collaborating with local entities to create a larger base of commuter demand for services Routes needed to better address commuting patterns Reliability of bus schedules Identify communication and marketing strategies to encourage use of alternative transportation
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Lessons learned
Partnerships are key to success
In our case: the department of mass transit, the local transit authority, a regional transportation committee and office of general services for NYS all cooperated in this endeavor This was aided by having alumni in key positions, being part of key groups (such as the Capital District Clean Cities Coalition) and networking
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Lessons learned
Lots of planning and setting a realistic timeline
Be sure to identify tasks need along the way: ex: IRB process, hiring of students, plan one semester ahead Overestimate time needed: GIS Planning: GPS, protocol developed first, implementation schedule developed
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Lessons learned
Having enough resources to complete task
Staff resources: professor in planning, director of environmental sustainability, parking and mass transit director, senior staff assistant from institutional research, senior staff assistant from IT, professor from marketing 2 graduate assistants, undergraduate help Technology: GPS units, GIS software, ability to survey on line Cooperation from other departments and outside entities
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
How we hope to keep efforts relevant
Incorporate the gathering of permit data and distribution of survey into graduate planning curriculum Provide a continued analysis of commuting patterns and options available Continue to develop options for alternative transportation and communicate those efforts Revisit marketing strategies
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Factors beyond your control (but some you can influence!!)
Mass transit options available Schedule and location of current mass transit opportunities Supporting infrastructure for biking and walking Behavior of your commuting population Price of gas, mass transit and price of parking permits Availability of on campus parking
Destination Green: It’s Within Reach University at Albany Transportation Study
Contact information
Mary Ellen Mallia Director of Environmental Sustainability University at Albany mmallia@uamail.albany.edu University Hall 212 518-956-8120 www.albany.edu/gogreen
Commuter Behavior and Greenhouse Gas Emissions at the University of Rhode Island
Rachel Sholly University of Rhode Island
Oct. 27, 2009 NECSC Conference, UVM
Why Sustainable Transport?
Background • 55% of students commute • 11,000 student, staff & faculty commuters • ~25% of URI’s total carbon footprint
Purpose • Collect data, analyze trends & identify key variables related to: – Commuter behavior – Vehicle and fuel use – Greenhouse gas emissions
• To inform URI policy aimed at reducing emissions • Fulfill ACUPCC
What Did We Do?
Data Collection Methods • Web-based surveys • • • • • •
Spring 2006 Summer 2006 Spring 2008 Summer 2008 Fall 2008 Spring 2009
• Visual surveys • Spring 2006 • Spring 2008 • Fall 2008 • Spring 2009
• Collected:
• Collected: • Demographics • Commuting characteristics • Knowledge & attitudes
• Vehicle type
• Occupancy
What Worked?
Total Annual Commuting Emissions
• 22,700 MTCO2e • 62.5 M VMT
17% 7% 76%
• 2.5 M gallons of fuel Students
Faculty
Average of Spring 2008 and Spring 2009 data
Staff
Commuter Profiles • Students – Take more trips per day – Carpool the most
• Faculty – Have higher fuel efficiency – Live closer to campus – Bike the most
• Staff – Travel more days per week & longer distances – Have lowest carpool & alt. trans. rates – Have highest emissions per capita
Emissions per Roundtrip by Mode Pounds CO2 Per Roundtrip
25
23
20 15 11 10 6 5 0 Drive Alone
Carpool
Assuming carpool = 2 people/car and bus = 22 people/bus
Bus
Vehicle Occupancy People Per Car People Per Car (Reported) (Observed) Spring 2006 Students Faculty Staff Average
Spring 2008 Students Faculty Staff Average
Spring 2009 Students Faculty Staff Average
1.32 1.24 1.08 1.21
1.12 1.15* 1.15* 1.12
1.27 1.13 1.06 1.15
1.15** 1.15** 1.15** 1.15**
1.51 1.31 1.20 1.34
1.30** 1.30** 1.30** 1.30**
Will the price of gas affect how often you carpool, bus, bike or walk to campus? (Spring 2009)
80%
Yes
No
62%
64%
63%
60%
40%
38%
36%
37%
20%
0%
Students (n=248)
Faculty (n=75)
Staff (n=123)
What are the top 3 options that would most encourage you to carpool to campus more often? Reserved parking Online ride matching system Discount carpool parking pass Nothing
Students
Higher parking prices
Faculty Other
Staff 0
50
100
150
200
250
2% Annual Reduction If 25% of SOV commuters‌
28 carpool trips
19 bus trips
14 bike trips
What Could Be Improved?
Metric Tons CO2 Equivalent
Commuting Emissions by Mode 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000
SOV
Carpool
Bus
Total
5,000 0 SOV Carpool Bus Total
2006
2008
2009
16,654 984 656 18,293
22,135 1,064 482 23,682
20,321 1,056 465 21,842
Lessons Learned • Surveys are complicated and have limitations • Know when to stop analyzing and start making policy
What forces and trends will we have to live with and which ones can we influence?
Cars are convenient
Where do we want to take our sustainability efforts in the future?
Change Behavior
Change Culture
Contact Rachel Sholly Energy Fellows Coordinator University of Rhode Island 401-874-5558 rachel.sholly@gmail.com