What We're Doing

WWU's Sustainable Transportation Office

Provides assistance to the WWU community with alternative transportation information
Supports the Student Transportation Program, which includes a universal student bus pass and a late night shuttle
Is a campus resource for sustainable transportation news and information
Is a liaison between WWU, WTA and other transportation-related community groups, and
Fulfills the requirements of the State Commute Trip Reduction Act
For more information, and for a faculty/staff bus pass online application, go to www.wwu.edu/transportation

Commute Trip Reduction

A Transportation Management Program (TMP) was initiated by Western Washington University in September 1995. The TMP is coordinated by Transportation Services and is intended to reduce the number of single occupant vehicles, and minimize impacts of automobile transportation and parking on surrounding neighborhoods and the community. Since 1997, an added goal is to comply with the state Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) law. Transportation Services also manages the operations of the student transportation program, and coordinates information and activities with the Office of Sustainability.

Western's Drive-Alone Rate from 1998-2010

A drop from 30% overall drive-alone, to 17%. [Click here to see the report]
Reported by Carol Berry, WWU Sustainable Transportation Coordinator

Western Student Transportation

Mission
The Alternative Transportation Fee provides students with viable transit services, and encourages sustainable transportation practices through student engagement in education and advocacy.

Goal
The Western Student Transportation program (WST) was created by the Associated Students, in conjunction with the Division of Business and Financial Affairs, after the successful student vote for the transportation fee in April 2007. The program goal is to enable students to live a full college experience without owning a personal vehicle.

Supporting a Sustainable WWU
The success of this program supports equality, diversity and community through improved transportation equity, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and increased student engagement and sustainability awareness. The program provides student employment and student academic partnership opportunities. An active Alternative Transportation Fee Committee consisting of a majority of student representatives along with supporting administrative staff manages the program.

Details
The Student Alternative Transportation Fee is $25 per quarter, mandatory for students taking 6 credits or more. The summer rate is $20 (a lesser amount because the WWU Late Night Shuttle is not provided in the summer). Students paying the fee receive a Viking Xpress Bus Pass. This pass is valid for unlimited rides on all WTA routes, including:

All routes serving WWU and its surrounding neighborhoods
All routes serving the Lincoln Creek Transportation Center
Routes serving popular destinations such as downtown Bellingham, Fairhaven, Lakeway Center, Sunset Square, and Bellis Fair Mall
Routes 190 and 90A/90B from Lincoln Creek Transportation Center
Route 80X which connects Bellingham to Mt. Vernon and beyond
For WTA route and schedule information go to www.ridewta.com
For information concerning regional travel options, click here

WWU Late Night Shuttle

The WWU Late Night Shuttle leaves the Viking Union or Haggard Hall at 11:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the Shuttle leaves the Viking Union at 9:00 PM, or Haggard Hall at 10PM. It provides a safe, efficient, and convenient service to jobs, residences, shopping, dining, entertainment and libraries. The Shuttle operates seven days a week when WWU is in session, not including summer quarter. Only WWU students with a valid WWU ID card or valid Viking Xpress Bus Pass may ride the WWU Late Night Shuttle.

On-Campus destinations include WWU Residence Halls, Viking Union, Library, Wade King Rec Center, Birnam Wood Apartments.
Off-Campus stops include Sehome Village, Lincoln Creek Transportation Center, Lincoln St., Lakeway, Holly, Commercial, Railroad, Magnolia, and Indian St.
Go to www.transportation.as.wwu.edu for route maps/schedules.

Program Contact: Carol Berry, WWU Sustainable Transportation Coordinator
Email: Transportation@wwu.edu | Phone: (360) 650-7960

Program News

The Bellingham Herald: WTA receives $2.8 million for five hybrid buses {10/20/11}
City of Bellingham: Commute Smart Awards celebrates 20 years {10/13/11}
Western Today: Summer Viking Xpress bus passes for faculty and staff... {6/2/11}
Western Today: WWU alumnus wins prestigious transportation... {4/5/11}
The AS Review: You don't have to drive to get around {2/22/11}
The AS Review: Creating the future of transportation {1/31/11}
Western Today: WWU awarded $730,000 grant for design of hybrid bus {12/8/10}
Western Today: WWU employees save $3,880 during Wheel Options... {12/3/10}
Western Today: WWU works to decrease car commuting to campus {11/29/10}
Seattle P-I: The Pros and Cons of One Transportation Choice {11/5/10}