In a recently published study by the Sustainable Endowments Institute, the UNM Transportation system received an “A” grade for its solid commitment to sustainable transportation initiatives.
The “College Sustainability Report Card 2008” study cited the use of E85 ethanol fuel and compressed natural gas by UNM vehicles as one reason for the grade. Currently, all new vehicles purchased by UNM are powered by E85 fuel. There are plans to purchase some vehicles that will run on biofuel – including vegetable oil – in the near future.
“We are proud and excited to be leading the way toward a sustainable campus and community. The Lobo Ride Pass program between the University and the City, allowing students to ride city buses for free, has also had a valuable impact upon reducing the number of cars on campus, so kudos go to ABQ Ride as well,” said Parking and Transportation Services Director Clovis Acosta.
Other reasons for the grade included staff and faculty discounts on Albuquerque buses; free UNM shuttles to the Alvarado Transit Station for those using the Rail Runner; the abundance of bicycle racks and the new bicycle program on campus; and the addition of the bicycle repair shop to Johnson Center.
Cynthia Martin of Parking and Transportation Services oversees the Department’s alternative transportation program.
“We aren’t resting on our laurels yet. There still a lot more we can do. We have a number of exciting new initiatives coming down the pike. Our first vanpool from the East Mountains area is up and running, and we anticipate soon having a couple more vanpools organized. People who are using it absolutely love it. We’re also hoping to soon be able to offer bicycles for department use in getting around campus, and we’re working on getting an hourly car rental service to campus by the beginning of Spring semester.”
For more information on alternative transportation programs at UNM, contact Parking and Transportation Services at 277-0461.
Media Contact: Benson Hendrix, (505) 277-1816; e-mail: bhendrix@unm.edu