Sustaining Success
The University of Delaware's newest bus, a 22-foot, 22-seat vehicle that runs on hydrogen, tooled around downtown Wilmington on Monday, Nov. 16, carrying some very important riders. U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper (D-Del.), U.S. Rep. Michael N. Castle (R-Del.) and Wilmington Mayor James Baker sat inside chatting about various options for transport in the region.
"Does it smell like French fries?" Colin Sweeney is used to hearing that question when he tells people about his 1986 Mercedes SDL, which he has converted to run on cooking oil. His answer? "No, it actually smells kind of sweet."
Suggestions
Transportation
University of Delaware Supporting Services www.udel.edu/SuppSrvc/ is responsible for Transportation Services on campus. Following are some of the services that are available.
Mass Transit System
Transportation Services operates and manages a free shuttle bus system for the University community, running nine daytime routes, two evening and late night routes, and a Saturday shopping express. The shuttle bus rider counts between September and May of 2007 ranged from 84,000 to 101,000 passengers a month. More than 1 million rides are provided each year.
Car-Sharing Service Coming Soon
UD plans to retain a car-sharing company in 2008. Ideally, this car-sharing service would offer hybrid vehicles to the campus community. Research on car-sharing services indicates they reduce vehicle miles driven, increase usage of hybrid vehicles, and reduce pollution. http://www.ridesharedelaware.org/about/
Expansive Bike Path/Lane System
Numerous bike lanes have been expanded throughout the City of Newark and the University of Delaware campus, providing bicyclists safe lanes of travel. In addition the 1.5-mile James Hall Trail offers additional alternative transportation means to citizens and students. In 2010, the 1.5-mile Pomeroy Trail will be completed, further expanding pedestrian options.
Environmentally-Friendly Transportation
Electric Vehicles: The College of Marine and Earth Studies is testing electric cars with V2G, or vehicle to grid, capabilities.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus: In April 2007 a partnership between the Delaware Center for Transportation, the Department of Environmental and Civil Engineering and other organizations produced the University’s first hydrogen fuel vehicle. This vehicle is being tested through by operating a standard campus bus route.
Hybrid Vehicles: The University added several hybrid vehicles to its fleet in 2007 and plans on adding more.
Carpooling
The University’s parking policies encourage carpooling by offering students and staff who form a carpool parking privileges in Gold permit areas. There is also a financial incentive as registered carpools of two spilt parking costs in half. Carpools of three or more spilt the permit cost further and receive an additional 10% discount. Need more information? See www.udel.edu/PublicSafetly/carpools.htm
The University of Delaware has joined other colleges and universities in supporting these two sustainabiity initiatives:
Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future/Talloires Declaration: View a .pdf (20kb)
American University and Presidents Climate Commitment:
Visit the web site