Campus transportation offers environmental options

BY: MATTHEW ALLEN

ATHENS, Ga.- A couple of transportation services that operate on the UGA campus are offering programs that assist bike users and environmentally conscious commuters.

UGA Parking Services offers the Alternative Transportation Program, or ATP, as a “green incentive.” An ATP pass can be acquired for the fall semester of 2010, at the earliest, through online registration, according to Anna Reynolds, an administrative assistant at Parking Services.

The ATP pass allows those biking, walking or riding an Athens Transit Bus as their primary means of travel, two uses of designated parking decks per month, or 22 days total throughout the year. The use of these parking decks is free for an ATP pass holder, but there are lot restrictions. Passes are only valid at the East Village, Hull Street, Carlton Street, and North Campus Parking decks.

And though the program seems practical for bike riders, bus users, or other students interested in saving a couple hundred dollars on a standard parking pass, some UGA students have no knowledge of the program.

“Wait, where can I sign up for this?” asked senior anthropology major Alex Niculaescu, who rides a bike to and around campus every day.

Niculaescu said that when he hears the words “Parking Services,” he thinks of “high prices.” But while most parking passes are priced in the hundreds of dollars per year of use, the ATP pass is free.

He also mentioned that he would not consider buying a standard parking pass because of “lack of access.” However, Niculaescu’s idea of parking services and mood changed somewhat after hearing about the ATP pass.

“That’s a pretty good idea, if it’s an ugly day,” he said. “Some of my classes are completely across campus for each other.”

Driving a car around campus is not a reasonable option for Niculaescu because parking passes only allow access to one lot or deck, and walking by foot to each class would also prove tiring and strenuous in his situation – having classes located a great distance from one another. Furthermore, the ATP pass allows Niculaescu the opportunity to drive to campus on a rainy day when conditions are hazardous.

The ATP pass could offer incentive to other commuters who have potential interest in biking, using the bus, or cutting use of their automobiles, for whatever reason.

Athens Transit, which offers bus routes that cover a larger area than Campus Transit, is also beginning to incorporate bike-friendly programs.

Athens Transit’s Bus-N-Bike program allows easy transfer of bikes to and from campus. A bike rack located on the front of each bus allows bike riders a safe ride to campus by means of public transportation: the bus.

Many bike lanes in Athens start and end abruptly so bike rides, to and from campus, sometimes with little daylight, are potentially hazardous, said Chris Peyser, a second-year biology student.

“You know that bridge on college station? It always makes me nervous, especially at night,” he said.

The Bus-N-Bike system gives students like Peyser, a safer way to and from campus, avoiding some of Athens’ hazardous and poorly-structured bike lanes. And, according to Victor Pope, transit supervisor at Athens Transit, all buses that are currently in use have bike racks.

“Most of the newer ones have racks for three bikes,” said Pope, “and if you have trouble, the driver can help you get it on there.”

Bikes are loaded onto the racks about “once every other hour,” according to Phillip Bentley who drives an Athens Transit bus. He said that he gets more bike riders coming from the Eastside.

The racks are “first come, first served,” but all of the racks are rarely in use simultaneously, according to Pope.

Peyser had heard of the Bus-N-Bike program, but did not know any details that would allow him to use the service. He showed interest in the program because of safety issues, and he supports “environmentally friendly” practices, as well.

“Are the buses still running?” Peyser asked, as the sun was setting around 6 p.m. Monday.

The Athens Transit Web site lists its approximate hours of operation as Monday through Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.


EDITED BY: JOURDANA PASSARO