comprehensive campus transportation plan - University of ...

University of Massachusetts Lowell Campus Transportation Plan
In 2010, there were approximately 5,100 permanent surface and structured
commuter and resident parking spaces, supplemented by approximately
470 overflow spaces, the majority of which were off-campus. Two new
garages are planned in the short-term to increase parking supply in
response to demand, but the cost of building new parking is extremely
high. While building parking spaces is necessary in the short term to meet
demand, continuing to build parking spaces will undermine the use of
alternative modes of transportation as a way to meet demand. Leasing
spaces and managing the parking are also very costly, and currently UMass
Lowell spends approximately $493,000 annually to lease, and provide
supporting transit for, approximately 700 off-campus spaces.
UMass Lowell Commuting Emissions by Year
Demand for movement around and between the campuses has increased
proportionately with enrollment, and, while the shuttle system has evolved
to meet this need, there is a lingering perception that the campuses are
disconnected and that inter-campus travel is time-consuming. As a result,
faculty, staff and students sometimes drive between campuses.
In spite of these transportation and parking pressures, UMass Lowell has
responded well in recent years, implementing a parking permit and pricing
system to temper demand and operating the shuttle system with more
routes, shorter headways and longer hours. A successful management
strategy, however, must go far beyond simply providing capacity to meet
demand; it must plan for careful management of resources and embrace
changes and up-to-date and sustainable approach to transportation. By
commissioning this study, UMass Lowell has recognized that the campus is
ready and the time is right to implement an environmentally and fiscally
sustainable Campus Transportation Plan.
B. Why is a Transportation Plan important?
The Campus Transportation Plan has importance for all stakeholders, by
providing direction for the University to work toward environmental and
2
Figure 1 Student, Faculty and Staff commuting emissions generally have
increased for the past six years
Source: Sightlines, 2011
fiscal sustainability. The plan will help the University reduce commuterrelated
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by providing alternative means for
travel around and between campuses and reducing single occupant vehicle
travel to campus. Figure 1 presents an analysis of UMass Lowell’s GHG
emissions over the period from 2005 to 2010 1 . Targeting reductions in
single occupancy vehicle (SOV) commuting, one of the primary goals of this
plan, is an important way to significantly reduce emissions, and relieve
congestion to the benefit of UMass Lowell and all users of the City of
Lowell’s roadway network.
The Campus Transportation Plan is designed to enhance mobility and
provide more attractive ways to travel to, and move around, the campus.
1 Sightlines LLC, FY10 Go Green MB&A Presentation UMASS-Lowell, April 14, 2011
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.