On Tuesday, April 22 the University of New Mexico Parking & Transportation Services (PATS) hosted an Alternative Transportation Fair that attracted the attention of students, commuters, staff and faculty. In a surprise visit, Mayor Martin Chávez also attended the fair and perused the booths, while handing out energy efficient light bulbs.
Photo: Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez talks with SmartCar representatives during UNM's Alternative Transportation Fair held recently.
“The energy and commitment that was demonstrated by the UNM students, faculty and staff during the Alternative Transportation Fair was incredible. I am proud to partner with the UNM community on saving the planet and working toward sustainability” said Chávez.
The fair included information on everything from bicycling to using public transportation. UNM Sustainability Studies, Pop Diesel, Vespa, and SmartCar demoed their fuel-efficient vehicles for fair-goers, while the UNM Police Department held their annual bike auction.
Other student groups such as the Organization for Alternative Transportation (OATS) encouraged people to sign a petition asking the City of Albuquerque to extend bus service at night and a marketing group from Anderson School of Management presented their “My Other Ride is Green” ABQRide promotion.
“(The Alternative Transportation Fair) was very productive in informing people about various alternatives to the single-occupancy vehicle. I thought it was a fun time more than anything” said Julian Mórathrú of Biccición, a local bicycle group. “It was a good way to get everyone of a similar mindset together and look toward the future.”
UNM’s Student Health Center and Employee Health Promotion Programs (EHPP) attended the fair and promoted the healthful benefits of alternative transportation. The Student Health Center had a “Guess Your Blood Pressure” activity and EHPP raffled a physiological assessment to staff.
“I think the fair was particularly alluring and diverse because alternative transportation can mean commuting in a more environmentally sustainable way, but it can also be about health and wellness” said Clovis Acosta, PATS Director. “Concerns about rising gas prices also played a role in the success of this year’s fair. With gas prices expected to reach $4 gallon by the summer, interest in alternative modes of transportation is growing.”
For more information about the fair or to inquire about specific alternative transportation options available to you, contact Danielle Gilliam, UNM Parking & Transportation’s Alternative Transportation Coordinator at dgilliam@parking.unm.edu or at 277-0461. You can visit: Parking & Transportation.
Media Contact: Benson Hendrix, (505) 277-1816; email: bhendrix@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at April 23, 2008 04:54 PM