A new video from UCLA Events and Transportation may be aimed at new hires, but its quick-hit overview of all the alternative transportation options available to UCLA commuters could help any Bruin who feels tied to their car.
The “Be a Smarter Commuter” video highlights how UCLA supports alt-transit by offering things like discounted bus passes, bicycle incentives, and carpool and vanpool systems. The video is part of the department's effort — and a campuswide goal — to get 50 percent of staff and faculty out of lone-driver cars by 2014. Currently, 53.4 percent of the University’s employees drive alone to campus.
“This video will help move us forward in achieving the campus’ efforts in UCLA’s Climate Action Plan,” said Penny Menton, senior associate director for Events and Transportation. “The video will be incorporated into the new employee orientation process campuswide and also be used to encourage current employees and commuting students to come to campus using healthier and more sustainable commute modes.
The video features 11 Bruins who have embraced the “low-car or no-car lifestyle,” who describe saving money, relinquishing their worries about traffic and arriving at work relaxed. One woman buses to and from the Valley, and bikes between the bus stop and home. One vanpool-rider described throwing baby-showers and birthday celebrations with her fellow travelers on the way to work.
The video comes shortly after UCLA was named one of the “Best Workplaces for Commuters.” On Jan. 31, the National Center for Transit Research at the University of South Florida gave UCLA Gold status along with six other universities nationwide. NCTR's annual award “recognizes organizations who took exemplary steps” to offer alternatives for their employees driving alone, reducing air pollution, traffic congestion and fuel usage.
