According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the transportation sector accounts for 27% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2015. Not surprisingly, as a large commuter school, transportation also makes up about 28% of the university’s greenhouse gas emissions. As a student, faculty, or staff member, choosing environmentally friendly modes of transportation such as walking, biking, carpooling, or mass transit, can help save time and money, improve overall health and air quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We challenge Mason Nation to “find 1 other way” to campus!
Mason’s Parking and Transportation department is committed to designing and supporting more environmentally friendly modes of transportation to reduce Mason’s environmental footprint, to provide numerous affordable options for our students, and in support of Mason’s academic mission.
Biking: In 2011, Mason was designated as a “Bicycle Friendly University” by the League of American Bicyclists. There are nearly five miles of bike lanes on the Fairfax campus, with protected bike shelters and bike racks in front of nearly every building. Mason also has several incentive programs, such as the Bicycle Commute Benefit, aimed at encouraging members of the Mason community to bike to and from campus. In 2018, Mason refurbished a few bicycles and offered free bicycle rentals at the Recreation and Athletics Complex on Fairfax campus. Mason Square (formerly the Arlington Campus) already has a bike share program on campus and Mason is working with local jurisdictions around its Fairfax campus to determine the feasibility of a regionally coordinated bike share program.
Carpooling: Transportation’s main sustainability objective is to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles (SOVs) at Mason. Carpooling and vanpooling are key to the strategy to achieve that reduction, and incentives are available for all students and staff who choose to rideshare with other members of the Mason community. Check out Mason’s Zimride program to share a ride with a fellow Patriot to reduce your environmental footprint, save money, find easier designated parking, and meet a new friend!
Mass Transit: All Mason employees have the opportunity to participate in the Commonwealth Commuter Choice program, which provides tax-free dollars to individuals who take public transportation. Additionally, Mason offers a free shuttle service from all major public transportation hubs, including the Metro, VRE, and SciTech Campus. Finally, Mason has worked with the City of Fairfax to offer fee CUE bus rides to anyone carrying a Mason ID.
Check out Mason’s Transportation Office to learn more about each of their programs.
