The purpose of this Transportation Policy is to promote sustainable transportation options and reduce the environmental impact of commuting at Al-Quds University. The policy aims to encourage students, faculty, staff, and administration to adopt eco-friendly transportation practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to a greener campus.
Scope
This policy applies to all members of the university community, including students, faculty, staff, and administration, as well as visitors to the campus. It also applies to all university-owned, leased, or operated vehicles and transportation-related activities, both on and off-campus.
Sustainable Transportation Measures
A. Public Transportation and Carpooling
- Encourage the use of public transportation by providing information on routes, schedules, and discounts for university community members.
- Promote carpooling among students, faculty, and staff by facilitating the creation of carpool groups and providing designated carpool parking spaces.
- Collaborate with local transportation agencies to improve public transit access and connectivity to the university campus.
B. Cycling and Walking
- Develop and maintain safe, accessible, and convenient bicycle infrastructure, including bike lanes, bike racks, and repair stations.
- Promote walking as a healthy and environmentally friendly transportation option by providing well-maintained pedestrian pathways and safe crossings.
- Implement educational campaigns and events to raise awareness about the benefits of cycling and walking, such as bike-to-work days and walking challenges.
C. Electric Vehicles and Green Fleet
- Encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs) by installing charging stations on campus and providing designated parking spaces for EVs.
- Incorporate electric or hybrid vehicles into the university fleet and implement a green fleet management plan to reduce emissions and fuel consumption.
- Provide information and resources on the benefits of electric and hybrid vehicles to the university community.
D. Telecommuting and Flexible Scheduling
- Encourage telecommuting and flexible work arrangements for faculty and staff, when feasible, to reduce the number of daily commutes.
- Support the use of video conferencing and online collaboration tools to minimize the need for travel to meetings and conferences.
- Implement a compressed workweek or flexible scheduling options for eligible employees to reduce peak-hour traffic congestion and promote work-life balance.
Education and Awareness
- Develop and implement educational programs to promote sustainable transportation and eco-friendly commuting practices among students, faculty, and staff.
- Organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions on alternative transportation options and strategies.
- Establish a Sustainable Transportation Committee to oversee the implementation of this policy and monitor progress.
- Encourage participation in university-wide sustainability initiatives and events focused on transportation.
Monitoring and Reporting
- Track transportation-related data, including commuting patterns, mode shares, and greenhouse gas emissions, and develop regular reports on sustainable transportation efforts.
- Set campus-wide sustainable transportation targets and evaluate progress towards meeting these goals.
- Share sustainable transportation success stories and best practices with the university community.
- Continuously review and update this policy to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with evolving sustainability goals.
By implementing this Transportation Policy, Al-Quds University demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and aims to foster a culture of sustainability within its community.