Improving efficiency, while maintaining effectiveness, in transportation systems for Iowa State and the surrounding community is critically important as we work toward a sustainable future. Optimizing transportation not only reduces costs and consumption through resource savings, it also reduces emissions and addresses goals associated with the City of Ames Climate Action Plan.
For example, as part of its mission "to provide safe, economical and appropriate transportation" to students, faculty and staff, ISU Transportation Services' fleet prioritizes low or no-emission vehicles, when feasible for the operations served. Also, CyRide’s bus fleet consists of both hybrid (Cybrid) and electric (ElectriCY’d) buses.
Additional policies and initiatives focusing on transportation efficiency include a shuttle service, virtual meeting rooms and conferences held through webinars and conference calls, a vehicle idling policy, the campus-wide installation of solar trash and recycling compactors - reducing the number of pickups by a ratio of 5:1. Likewise, ISU Facilities Planning and Management routinely looks for opportunities to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety by installing new traffic signals, rerouting traffic lanes close to campus and encouraging "Walk Your Wheels" opportunities and consideration.
See the dropdowns below to see how Transportation Services is making an impact within each of the three components of sustainability. Contact Transportation Services via email at transdispatch@mail.iastate.edu.
For sustainable transportation options on campus and throughout the community, explore these resources:
Ames Intermodal Facility (bike lockers, public transit)
Bicycle Resources (campus - parking, lockers, paths)
CyRide (campus and community bus system)
EV Charging Stations (campus and community)
Shared Use Paths (community - biking/walking)