Transportation
Every day, tens of thousands of students, faculty, staff and visitors make their way to, from, through and around the University.
UVA’s transportation infrastructure keeps the University humming. From bike paths to shuttles, UVA offers plenty of resources to help people and materials safely get where they need to be. UVA’s Parking and Transportation department operates the University Transit System’s fleet of about 40 buses and maintains over 19,000 parking spaces. Additional fleets are operated by the University’s Facilities Management, Health System, Police and Athletics departments, among others.
While transportation infrastructure is a necessary component of modern life, it comes with financial and environmental costs. In Albemarle County, for example, transportation accounts for over half of all climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions. Recognizing this significance, the University is pursuing multiple initiatives to integrate sustainability into its transportation system.
Alternative Commuting
Managing transportation requires strategies aimed at reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips and promoting sustainable, alternative transportation options, such as carpooling, transit, biking and walking. The goal is reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality and promoting sustainability, while still providing people with convenient and accessible transportation options. UVA Parking & Transportation launched Wahoo Commute in Fall 2024 to reward faculty and staff commuters that use alternative transportation, including walking, bicycling, public transportation, carpools and vanpools to get to Grounds. Members who participate receive financial compensation, rideshare matching, and trip planning assistance with the region’s public transit providers, such as the Jaunt CONNECT shuttles and the Afton Express commuter bus.
Electric Buses
UTS has been planning for transit fleet electrification for several years. Unfortunately, in August 2023, UVA’s selected electric bus manufacturer, Proterra, filed for bankruptcy and UTS canceled the initial order for four transit buses. However, P&T continued with installation of DC fast chargers, and simultaneously acquired other electric vehicles for use by UTS supervisors and parking enforcement officers. During summer 2024, UTS evaluated other battery electric bus manufacturers and placed an order for five 18-passenger all-electric transit buses. These low-floor vehicles should enter service during the 2024-2025 academic year, with more zero emission vehicles to follow. This initial investment is intended to be the first step in fully electrifying the University’s bus fleet in pursuit of its carbon neutral and fossil fuel free goals.
Electric Vehicles
In 2016, the University began electrifying its vehicle fleet when Facilities Management purchased its first 100% battery-electric vehicle. The fleet now uses 37 quieter, lower maintenance, emissions-free, battery-electric vehicles, including 24 charging stations. Where larger all-electric vehicles are unavailable, the University has continued to pursue hybrid electric and low-emissions alternatives, including Hybrid SUV's, fully hybrid and plug-in hybrid vans and box trucks, as well as battery electric mini-cargo and full-size electric vans.
As of Spring 2024, UVA FM has fully or partially electrified 13% of its fleet of 280 vehicles. Each of these vehicles represents a step towards achieving UVA’s carbon neutral and fossil fuel free goals while reducing local air pollution.
Fleet Optimization
In addition, UVA has deployed a number of novel strategies to reduce the impact and enhance the efficiency of its vehicle fleet. In 2021, the Facilities Management fleet began a multi-year partnership with engineering professor Brian Park and his students to develop a first-of-its-kind Mindful Driving Program.
This initiative emphasizes driver training techniques such as idling reduction and route optimization that improve safety and reduce air pollution – impacts that were validated by the research team. Better insight into vehicle usage and performance through a fleet-wide telemetrics roll-out further supports driver safety and sustainability through more efficient vehicle operation.
“The collaboration between the Engineering School and the Facilities Management has offered a unique opportunity for our students to tackle a real-world problem by applying systems engineering and big data analytics.” --Professor Park
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We are proud to have received a number of designations and award for the combined efforts of multiple UVA partner entities as we continue to move the University toward achieving the goals in the UVA 2020-2030 Sustainability Plan.
- Sustainable Fleet Accreditation
- Top 50 Green Fleet Awards
- UVA Today: University Embarks on its Plug-In Future