Earlier this year the University of New Mexico Department of Parking and Transportation Services (PATS) announced the creation of a vanpooling service as part of the university's push to increase transportation options for students, staff and faculty. PATS recently announced the first vanpool to begin daily commutes to main campus.
Ruben de la Garza, a system administrator at UNM, is managing a commuting group from the East Mountains. The van departs the Sedillo Hill Park and Ride lot at 7 a.m. “We would also be able to stop in Tijeras at 7:15 for anyone who lives in Cedar Crest or Tijeras,” explains De La Garza. The van leaves UNM at 5:15 p.m. to return to the East Mountains. For those people interested in signing up, October service charge will be waived.
“Vanpooling is a great alternative transportation option for people looking to save money or reduce their greenhouse gas impact on our environment,” said Parking and Transportation Director Clovis Acosta.
The cost will be based on the number or riders in the group and the cost of gasoline – the more riders in the group, the lower the monthly cost.
For further information, please contact Helen Abrahamson, Alternative Transportation Coordinator at 277-0461.