UA News

UA Parking & Transportation Services programs assist in reducing emissions by up to 50 percent.

The University of Arizona’s Parking & Transportation Services, known as PTS, is stepping up green practices this year by adding two new 32 passenger alternative fuel buses to the Cat Tran fleet. The service offers a more efficient, comfortable and environmentally friendly ride to the UA community.

PTS now operates its entire fleet of 17 Cat Tran shuttles on bio-diesel fuel. By using this fuel, they reduce carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions by up to 50 percent compared to traditional petroleum diesel.

In addition, Cat Tran offers the UA community five routes with more than 45 stops. Three of these routes travel to six off-campus Park and Ride lots. The shuttle is free for on-campus visitors, students, faculty and staff.

Last year, PTS transported more than 504,000 passengers on its Cat Tran shuttle in addition to the Sun Tran U-Pass program, resulting in 4.9 million fewer automobile miles to campus. This accounted for a reduction in more than 5 million pounds of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.

Recently, PTS received an “A”, according to the new “College Sustainability Report Card 2008” for such sustainability programs as: carpool, vanpool, Sun Tran U-Pass, bicycling, Park and Ride, disability cart service, Ride Share, Cat Tran and commuter parking assistance. These programs have been successfully supported by the campus community through an 11 percent increase in use of Cat Tran, carpool and vanpool programs, Sun Tran U-Pass and secure bicycle parking spaces.

“The PTS programs play an important role in sustainability here at the UA,” said Patrick Kass, director of PTS. “Our alternative transportation programs directly impact improvements in air quality and traffic congestion in the campus and the surrounding region. In fact, 44 percent of trips to the UA campus are made by alternative means, ensuring our part in the effort to be a good neighbor.”

Last year, the UA community saved 16.8 million automobile miles to campus through all of the PTS alternative transportation programs combined. This was a net reduction of 16.9 million pounds of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere.