FSU named a top workplace for commuters

In addition to being more environmentally friendly, Rind said FSU's all-electric bus fleet key plays a key role in reducing vehicle traffic on campus.
In addition to being more environmentally friendly, Rind said FSU's all-electric bus fleet key plays a key role in reducing vehicle traffic on campus.

Florida State University is amongst the nation’s best workplaces for commuters, according to the Center for Urban Transportation Research, an internationally recognized transportation research, education center. 

The center designated FSU a Best Workplace for Commuters 2022 on the strength of the university’s transportation policies and practices that help to promote energy conservation, reduce traffic congestion and cut related air pollution. 

Among the criteria FSU fulfilled is providing at least five means of support to help employees leave their cars at home, including designating a central point of contact for employee commuter questions and providing an Emergency Ride Home program for employees. 

Richard Rind, director of Transportation and Parking Services, said FSU has a variety of programs designed to reduce vehicle traffic on campus. This recognition is proof that those efforts are making progress. 

“We’re working to build a culture of sustainable transportation and alternative transportation to try to move away from single-occupancy vehicles, which is the primary mode of transportation for students, faculty and staff here on campus,” he said.  

Some of the programs and initiatives Rind identified are the university’s all-electric bus fleet, campus shuttles, fare-free access to the City of Tallahassee transit system, fleet vehicles, ride matching through FSU Rideshare and electric vehicle charging stations. 

“These are all ways to encourage people to leave their car at home or reduce vehicle movement on-campus,” he said. “Sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint are obviously benefits mixed into that as well.”

Rind said reducing vehicle traffic also has additional benefits.

“When we have class changes there can be 40,000 students walking on campus,” he said. “It can be difficult to get around. With traffic at a standstill, cars aren’t moving, buses aren’t moving and people aren’t getting to class and work on time.”

He added: “Reducing vehicle traffic makes it safer for pedestrians too.” 

For more information visit, https://transportation.fsu.edu