<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Massachusetts Lowell Campus Transportation Plan [This page left intentionally blank] Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Massachusetts Lowell Campus Transportation Plan I. Background <strong>of</strong> Transportation Plan The <strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell) is at an exciting milestone in its history. Enrollment has grown, the <strong>campus</strong> is expanding, state-<strong>of</strong>-the-art facilities are being <strong>plan</strong>ned and built, more student beds are coming on line on <strong>campus</strong>, and its host city, Lowell, is experiencing a vibrant revival with expanding downtown businesses and residences. With these changes come increased <strong>transportation</strong> demands, evidenced in busy streets and crowded parking lots, and there are exciting opportunities to satisfy these needs. In striving to create a livable <strong>campus</strong>, UMass Lowell is already embracing the challenge <strong>of</strong> environmental responsibility. Transportation plays a critical role in achieving sustainable goals, both environmentally and fiscally. Much has been accomplished already. The successful development <strong>of</strong> an efficient and flexible shuttle bus system since 2009 has helped knit together the geographically separated parts <strong>of</strong> the <strong>campus</strong>. The production <strong>of</strong> pedestrian and bicycle maps has heightened people’s awareness <strong>of</strong> alternative <strong>transportation</strong> opportunities, and the bike-share program, Freewheelers, implemented in Fall 2011, has been greeted with enthusiasm. The introduction <strong>of</strong> car-sharing (Zipcar Inc.), also in Fall 2011, is expected to reduce the need for residential students and commuters to bring a car to <strong>campus</strong>, and UMass Lowell’s participation in the state’s MassRides program facilitates ride-sharing opportunities for commuting faculty, staff and students. This Campus Transportation Plan has been developed to seize the moment and build upon the momentum <strong>of</strong> these recent accomplishments. The <strong>plan</strong> lays out a trail-map to a more sustainable <strong>transportation</strong> system, one that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and foster a more livable community for residents and commuters to the <strong>campus</strong> alike. A. An expanding Campus – the time is right for change UMass Lowell’s <strong>transportation</strong> needs are not static. In the five-year period from Fall 2005 to Fall 2010, enrollment increased by approximately 38 percent, and future projections anticipate an additional 30 percent increase in enrollment by Fall 2015. Because <strong>of</strong> an historic dependence on auto commuting, there has been a simultaneous increase in parking demand, accommodated by surface parking lots that cover approximately 20 acres <strong>of</strong> dedicated surface parking out <strong>of</strong> a <strong>campus</strong> total <strong>of</strong> 135 acres. With a large commuter population <strong>of</strong> faculty, staff and students, commuting to the <strong>campus</strong> is expected to increase, although it will be <strong>of</strong>f-set to some extent by expanding residential housing on <strong>campus</strong> for students. Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. 1