Kyoto, greenhouse effect, warming of the planet: these terms are common in today’s news. Governments, private industry, organizations and all citizens are encouraged to do their part to reduce dangerous gas emissions to help protect our environment.
But what is being done on campus to support the clean air movement and encourage alternative modes of transportation? In the spring of 2004, the parking and traffic division at the University of Ottawa created a transportation demand management coordinator (TDM) position whose roles is to establish programs for alternative transportation. Since September 2004, the position has been held by Danny Albert.
The coordinator acts as the resource and liaison person between the University, the City of Ottawa and the Gatineau and Ottawa public transportation utilities to encourage “active” commuting.
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The message is starting to get across. Almost every imaginable form of alternative transportation can be found on campus: public transportation, car pooling, walking, jogging, cycling, in-line skating, skate boarding and, in the winter, skating on the longest skating rink in the world.
“Not only do cars produce noxious emissions, but they add considerably to congestion on campus that interferes with pedestrians and cyclists,” adds Albert.
The TDM team is collecting data to determine current transportation habits to and from campus. Preliminary findings show that there many active commuters among students and support staff. Students are somewhat less likely to use a car because they tend to live closer to campus or because they can’t afford that option. When it comes to commuting, there are several cheaper alternatives to a car.
According the Danny Albert, “it is sometimes difficult to convince employees to use active commuting. Many people greatly depend on their motor vehicle, while others need a car because of family obligations like picking up their child from daycare.” The challenge therefore, is to put into place programs that are accommodating and inviting to employees.
