Transportation Lessons from Universities

Image source: www.pedbikeimages.org /Sree Gajula

Local jurisdictions may learn a thing or two about implementing transportation policies from universities.  An article published in Governing cites several transportation case studies provided in a new report by the Frontier Group that could be as useful in your community as they are on campus. The benefits of these policies include an increase in transit, bicycling, walking and car-sharing and a decrease in the number of single occupant vehicles and parking.

According to the article's author, J.B. Wogan, the "The report’s authors argue that city leaders have some of the same incentives for de-emphasizing car-related commuting as their college counterparts. Some colleges are supporting pedestrian, bike and transit-related options as a way to free up real estate that would otherwise go to parking lots. Expanding transit options may also serve as a way to attract and retain a young workforce."

Policy examples found in the article include the University of Wisconsin-Madison's investment in bike repair services and subsidizing membership in the city's bike share program, the University of Colorado-Boulder's contribution to the city for construction of underpasses with bike lanes and pedestrian facilities, and UC Davis' carpooling program.