Description of the Problem and the Project

The Problem
A well-functioning transportation system is crucial for the campus community. It is important for campus appearance, interaction among campus entities, campus interaction with the community, safety, productivity, budgeting, and quality of life for everyone who uses the campus. A number of indicators suggest a high level of dissatisfaction with the current transportation system on the University of Oregon campus. University Senate Minutes, Senate Budget Committee discussions, commentary in the Oregon Daily Emerald and the Oregon Commentator, a consultant's survey of faculty-, staff-, and student-travel and parking characteristics, and informal information gathering around campus all imply that the current system, however it is characterized, is not working satisfactorily for many members of the campus community. One measurable aspect of this situation is the shortage of parking spaces on campus. The number of parking permits sold has increased more rapidly than the supply of parking spaces. Although the university has done extraordinarily well in promoting the use of pedestrian ways, bicycles, and buses, the transportation system still requires additional improvements.

The Project
In the fall of 1995 the University began an analysis of all components of its transportation system. This analysis involved reviewing the current status of the components, the trends expected to influence them, and the policies by which we manage them. We were also interested in exploring how various changes would affect the overall system.

Several elements of the analysis have been completed or are nearing completion. Earlier this year the Campus Planning Committee, along with LTD and the ASUO sponsored an Alternative Modes of Transportation Forum to gather information about providing a range of transportation alternatives for people who drive alone to campus. Additionally, BRW, Inc., the transportation consultant commissioned to analyze existing conditions, projected trends, and potential policy actions has completed its work and presented the university with its final Transportation System Analysis. Now, the CPC's working group, which was formed to study this document in conjunction with the university's transportation policies, has prepared a draft of its recommendations to the president on how the campus might best meet its future transportation needs.



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