Description
School campus programs addresses the unique commuting needs of students and integrate Traffic Demand Management (TDM) solutions into campus sustainability initiatives. The types of programs and improvements implemented on a commuter college campus include but are not limited to:
- Building more affordable housing for students and professors near the schools.
- Increasing active transportation infrastructure such as paths, protected facilities, bike share, scooter share, secure bicycle parking, and pedestrian amenities.
- Manage parking supply with parking permit and pricing systems.
- Marketing and educational events to promote use of non-single occupancy vehicle modes.
- Coordination with a RCTC and other regional agencies for use of existing Mobility as a Service (MaaS) ride matching service particularly for faculty and staff.
- Coordination with Sunline for on campus transit services, facilities and amenities as well as subsidized transit passes.
Implementation Details
- Partner with school districts to launch school branded TDM programs including trip-reduction plans and student transit incentive programs.
- Integrate plans for affordable housing near the campus into Housing Elements.
- Develop bicycle and pedestrian networks that conveniently serve the schools and feed into larger regional systems of transportation, such as CV Link and SunLine services.
- Subsidize campus based service and fare for students, faculty, and staff.
- Integrate travel surveys into major annual contact points such as beginning of year or semester registrations to measure the impact of TDM programs.
Mitigation Potential
Campus transportation management programs are efforts to reduce VMT that are tailored to colleges, universities, and other education facilities. Given the unique trip making characteristics of colleges and universities, campus specific programs can be more effective for educational institutions compared to broader community efforts. For example, messaging may incorporate branding and campus specific resources and incentives such as discounts on school services or tickets to campus hosted events. The level of effectiveness and VMT reduction will vary depending on the mix of strategies employed by the school. Quantification and effectiveness of these programs is often measured through the use of travel surveys conducted by the school.
Linked Strategies
- Create Pedestrian Priority Zones
- Guaranteed Ride Home Programs
- Improve Lighting and Security
- Marketing Campaigns and Educational Events
- Micromobility / New Mobility
- Mobility Wallets
- Monetary Rewards and Supplies for Active Transportation
- Park Once Implementation
- Priced Parking
- Promote and Expand Voluntary TDM Programs
- Provide Bike Network / Facility Improvements
- Provide End-of-Trip Bicycle Facilities
- Provide Pedestrian Network / Facility Improvements
- Transit Frequency and Coverage
- Traveler Information (511)
- Vanpool Subsidies
Equity Considerations
Campus-based TDM supports equity by offering alternatives to car ownership for students, especially low income youth who may not have access to a personal vehicle. Programs that include free or subsidized SunLine passes and safe travel routes support access to education, particularly in communities where campuses are farther from residential centers. Partnering with schools can also support broader community buy in for sustainable travel.
Funding Sources
Varies depending on the transportation demand management measures that are implemented. Capital projects that improve access and mobility for non-single occupancy vehicles are more expensive. Funding sources include the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation Grants Program (U.S. Department of Transportation), and the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program: Sustainable Communities: Competitive and Technical (Caltrans).
Examples/Case Studies
Cal Poly Pomona TDM Program
Cal Poly Pomona implemented a comprehensive campus TDM strategy including discounted student transit passes (Bronco Transit), carpool and vanpool incentives, and bike racks. The program tracked mode share and was integrated with sustainability goals.
(Source: Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) Campus TDM Toolkit)
University of California, Davis – TDM Plan
UC Davis provides free transit passes through Unitrans, Zipcar access, and bike-focused infrastructure as part of a robust TDM program. It includes survey-based mode shift targets and collaborations with local agencies.
(Source: UC Davis TDM Plan)