Transportation
The University is addressing the adverse consequences of being primarily a commuter campus by investing in policies to reduce commuting, by increasing use of alternative modes of transportation, and by use of alternative energy technology.
Main Strategies
- Reduce total number of commuting miles
- Reduce use of single occupancy vehicles for commuting
- Reduce emissions associated with vehicle use on campus
Objectives for 2023
- Reduce vehicle miles traveled by faculty, staff, and students by 10%
- Increase share of alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles for commuting from 26% to 40%
- Gain recognition as a Bicycle-Friendly University
- Reduce, with a goal of eventual elimination, vehicle use in the campus core
- Reduce average emissions associated with university fleet operations (non- construction/maintenance vehicles) by 50%
- Systematize transport data collection
2020-21 Priorities and Outcomes
- Evaluate the environmental benefit and impact on scope 3 GHG emissions from telecommuting as a means to increase participation in this program.
- Analysis on the potential impact of different telecommuting scenarios has been completed. Portions of this analysis were shared with the CSUN Shine Cohort tasked with evaluating the impacts of telecommuting, who shared their findings with the President's Cabinet.
- Administer the transportation survey to both employees and students and integrate results into the transportation dashboard.
- Due to CSUN's significantly reduced commuter population, the transportation survey was not administered this year. However, results from on campus health screening surveys were used to determine commuting activities of students and employees. This data was used to determine the greenhouse gas impacts of commuting, specifically in CSUN's scope 3 emissions.
- Analyze results from transportation survey and determine feasibility of implementing suggested bicycle infrastructure improvements.
- The results of CSUN's transportation survey have been analyzed, and CSUN's bicycle committee is exploring options related to bicycle riders' feedback.
- Investigate CSUN’s low carbon fleet as a potential for revenue generation.
- Multiple different options are being explored in relation to this. There is potential to revenue through Low-Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credits as well as on-campus EV charging infrastructure. This revenue could be used for further low-carbon transportation initiatives. Multiple proposals have been received, and it is being decided which option to pursue based on available funding.
Other Highlights
- CSUN's emissions from commuting in 2020 were approximately 70% lower than in 2019, due to the widespread adoption of distance learning and working.
- A partnership is being explored which would provide shared micro-mobility services to the campus, similar to short-term rental bicycles and scooters.
- The Institute partnered with CSU Long Beach to host a Drive Electric webinar. Approximately 30 people attended and the recording is available on the CSUN Sustainability YouTube channel.
2021-22 Priorities
- Expand the EV charging program to include additional EV chargers, data capabilities, grid management, etc.
- Investigate options for shared micro-mobility through the use of a third party partnership.
- Implement pilot programs for alternative transportation days.
Check out CSUN's ridesharing network through Zimride!
Other
Student Opportunities to Live On-Campus
Issue:
TR1.1
Priority:
1
Strategy:
Increase opportunities to live on campus for students following Campus Master Plan.
Status:
New Student Housing to be completed for Fall 2015. Will bring total number of beds to 3,500. 2,700 apartment style and 800 dormitory style.
Party Responsible:
FPDC, Housing
Next/Action Items:
In-progress.
Staff Opps to Live Locally
Issue:
TR1.2
Priority:
3
Strategy:
Increase opportunities to live close to campus for faculty and staff following Campus Master Plan
Status:
No action taken
Party Responsible:
FPDC, TUC
Next/Action Items:
No specific plans for this line yet
Live Local and Reduce Commuting
Issue:
TR1.3
Priority:
3
Strategy:
Offer incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus and to reduce weekly commuting miles
Status:
No action taken
Party Responsible:
FA, HR, PS
Next/Action Items:
No specific plans for this line item
Alternative Instruction
Issue:
TR1.4
Priority:
2
Strategy:
Continue using alternative instruction technologies, such as online and hybrid courses, to offer the potential to reduce total number of weekly commutes by students
Status:
On-going.
Party Responsible:
Faculty, IS
Next/Action Items:
On-going.
Alt transport funding
Issue:
TR2.1
Priority:
2
Strategy:
Expand funding structure to support alternative modes of transportation
Status:
No action taken.
Party Responsible:
FPDC, AS, PS
Next/Action Items:
No action taken.
Expand shuttle hours
Issue:
TR2.2
Priority:
2
Strategy:
Expand the hours of shuttle service to Northridge Metrolink station
Status:
This has been discussed by the TWG, but will require additional funding.
Party Responsible:
AS, PS
Next/Action Items:
AS and PS need to determine a funding source.
Ride Sharing Programs
Issue:
TR2.3
Priority:
1
Strategy:
Implement ride sharing programs for students.
Status:
Associated Students has purchased an annual license to Zimride to provide ride sharing services for CSUN affiliates. Users can become a part of this ride sharing network at https://www.zimride.com/csun.
Party Responsible:
SA, AS, PS
Next/Action Items:
In progress.
AS/TWG to determine whether to continue the use of Ridelinks or utilize a different product.
Car-Sharing Program
Issue:
TR2.4
Priority:
2
Strategy:
Implement a car-sharing program
Status:
Car-sharing is being done through ZipCar, a successful program run through AS.
Party Responsible:
AS
Next/Action Items:
In-progress. AS to continue growing the Zip Car program.
Preferential parking
Issue:
TR2.5
Priority:
3
Strategy:
Develop preferential parking for carpools, van pools, motorcycles and high-efficiency vehicles
Status:
Discussions are underway in conjunction with car-sharing program.
Party Responsible:
SA, AS, PS
Next/Action Items:
FPDC and PS need to pilot a “Sustainable Transportation” parking location on campus.
Tiered Parking Fees
Issue:
TR2.6
Priority:
3
Strategy:
Study feasibility of tiered parking fees based on vehicle type and proximity to campus core
Status:
No action taken.
Party Responsible:
PS
Next/Action Items:
No specific plans for this line item.
Alt Transport Incentives
Issue:
TR2.7
Priority:
Strategy:
Continue and expand financial incentives for using alternative means of transportation
Status:
No action taken.
Party Responsible:
FPDC, AS, PS
Next/Action Items:
No specific plans for this line item.
Bike Circulation Infrastructure
Issue:
TR2.8
Priority:
1
Strategy:
Create campus pedestrian and bicycle master plan to improve pedestrian safety and infrastructure for bicycle circulation.
Status:
Jacaranda Walk Bike Path completed 13/14FY.
No action this year.
Party Responsible:
FPDC
Next/Action Items:
FPDC needs to apply for the CQF grant or seek alternative funding to improve bike circulation infrastructure and complete a bicycle plan for campus.
Bike Parking Infrastructure
Issue:
TR2.9
Priority:
1
Strategy:
Improve bicycle parking by increasing the overall capacity and by replacing most of the existing bike racks with safer types.
Status:
Funding received for Sequoia Hall & Oviatt area under Dec 2013 CQF award. Additional funding received for under CQF submitted Dec 2014.
Party Responsible:
FPDC
Next/Action Items:
In-progress: Continue to Apply for CQF grants to improve bike parking infrastructure.
Bike Shop; Bike Rental Program
Issue:
TR2.10
Priority:
1
Strategy:
Establish a bike shop and a bike rental program.
Status:
No action taken this year.
Party Responsible:
AS
Next/Action Items:
No action taken this year.
Education Program
Issue:
TR2.11
Priority:
1
Strategy:
Establish an education program to provide information on availability, safety, and rules of operation on all available modes of transportation on campus.
Status:
A Transportation Guide was created that outlines the various options for transportation.
Party Responsible:
FPDC, IS, PS, AS
Next/Action Items:
In progress. FPDC and PS to develop signage in conjunction with marketing/awareness campaign.
Coordination with Agencies
Issue:
TR2.12
Priority:
1
Strategy:
Coordinate efforts on campus with government agencies to support alternative transportation modes, such as improving and expanding bus lines and improving sidewalks around the campus.
Status:
Ongoing, there has been some progress made with Metro and the councilman’s office.
Party Responsible:
IS, PS
Next/Action Items:
On-going.
Pedestrian Infrastructure
Issue:
TR2.13
Priority:
3
Strategy:
Improve pedestrian circulation and safety by extending sidewalks and utilizing traffic slowing strategies on crosswalks
Status:
On-going.
Party Responsible:
FPDC
Next/Action Items:
On-going.
Pre-Tax Transit Passes
Issue:
TR2.14
Priority:
3
Strategy:
Study feasibility of permitting purchase of transit passes and vanpool passes under pre-tax Commute Choice benefits
Status:
Under investigation.
Party Responsible:
HR, PS
Next/Action Items:
In-progress.
EV Charging Stations
Issue:
TR3.1
Priority:
3
Strategy:
Install more electric vehicle chargers including solar-powered chargers
Status:
Current count is 22. 1 additional to be opened with Engineering Student Project.
Party Responsible:
CECS faculty, FPDC, PS
Next/Action Items:
On-going. PS to continue installation as needed.
Info Centers
Issue:
TR3.2
Priority:
3
Strategy:
Construct additional transportation information center(s) and/or kiosks
Status:
No action taken.
Party Responsible:
FPDC
Next/Action Items:
No specific plans for this line item.
Discourage Campus Traffic
Issue:
TR3.3
Priority:
3
Strategy:
Discourage traffic through the campus. Phase-in elimination of vehicular traffic from Lindley Avenue, Plummer Street and Etiwanda Avenue and strive for a car-free campus
Status:
On-going.
Party Responsible:
FPDC
Next/Action Items:
On-going.
Alternative Transportation Days
Issue:
TR3.4
Priority:
3
Strategy:
Implement pilot programs for alternative transportation days.
Status:
No action taken.
Party Responsible:
FPDC, PS
Next/Action Items:
No specific plans for this line item.
Pedestrian and Bike Only Zones
Issue:
TR3.5
Priority:
3
Strategy:
Implement more pedestrian-only and bike-only zones
Status:
No action taken.
Party Responsible:
FPDC
Next/Action Items:
No specific plans for this line item
Lower Cost Housing Permit
Issue:
TR3.6
Priority:
2
Strategy:
Restrict lower-cost parking permit for students in housing to park in housing area only
Status:
No action taken.
Party Responsible:
Housing, PS
Next/Action Items:
No specific plans for this line item
Parking on Periphery
Issue:
TR3.7
Priority:
2
Strategy:
Promote use of lower cost lots on the campus periphery
Status:
PS has reduced the cost of parking in the F5 lot to encourage parking on the periphery of campus.
Party Responsible:
PS
Next/Action Items:
In-progress. PS to evaluate this program.
No-Car Policy in Housing
Issue:
TR3.8
Priority:
2
Strategy:
Explore an option to incentivize a no-car-policy for freshmen living on campus
Status:
No current plans or discussions on this.
Party Responsible:
FPDC, PS, Housing
Next/Action Items:
No current plans or discussions on this.
Car Sharing
Issue:
TR3.9
Priority:
Strategy:
Facilitate car-sharing amongst student population
Status:
See TR2.4.
Party Responsible:
AS
Next/Action Items:
See TR2.4.
Smart Parking
Issue:
TR3.10
Priority:
1
Strategy:
Develop and encourage use of “smart parking” software.
Status:
PS is exploring car count system technology for structures.
Party Responsible:
IS, SA, AS, PS
Next/Action Items:
In-progress. PS may purchase a commercial application.
Zero Emission Fleet
Issue:
TR3.11
Priority:
1
Strategy:
Seek alternatives that work toward a zero emission fleet.
Status:
PS is taking officers out of their vehicles to do foot and bicycle patrol. All AS recycling services are collected via electric carts, with plans to expand their electric fleet.
Party Responsible:
PPM, PS
Next/Action Items:
PPM and PS need to continue to evaluate the campus fleet and determine a baseline for vehicles.
Avoid Motorized Vehicle Use
Issue:
TR3.12
Priority:
1
Strategy:
Avoid motorized vehicle use where possible.
Status:
Various departments utilize electric carts and bicycles where feasible.
Party Responsible:
FPDC, PPM, PS
Next/Action Items:
On-going.
Purchase Alternative Vehicles
Issue:
TR3.13
Priority:
Strategy:
Purchase electric, hybrid, or non-motorized vehicles where feasible, otherwise choose
smaller gasoline-powered vehicles.
Status:
On-going.
Party Responsible:
PPM, PS
Next/Action Items:
On-going.
Maintain Vehicles
Issue:
TR3.14
Priority:
1
Strategy:
Continue to regularly maintain vehicles in top condition.
Status:
Preventative maintenance is scheduled on all campus vehicles.
Party Responsible:
PPM
Next/Action Items:
On-going
Travel Behavior Surveys
Issue:
TR3.15
Priority:
2
Strategy:
Conduct bi-annual surveys for students travel behavior
Status:
Campus-wide Commuting Survey completed this year.
Party Responsible:
IS
Next/Action Items:
On-going.
Reduced Deliveries
Issue:
TR3.16
Priority:
1
Strategy:
Establish designated delivery/pick-up days for OfficeMax, FedEx, UPS, and other campus vendors to reduce fuel costs and CO2 emissions.
Status:
Reduced deliveries are being accomplished through the OfficeMax dollar amount order limit.
Party Responsible:
PCA
Next/Action Items:
In-progress.
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