Hybrid Vehicles

Currently UMass EHS owns three hybrid vehicles - two Toyota Priuses and one Ford Escape. Each Prius averages about 55 MPG, while the Escape SUV averages 32 MPG.

Rideshare

UMass Amherst was recognized by the US EPA for its efforts in reducing single-occupancy commuting. The campus has reduced SOV commuting numbers by 13% since 1999. For its efforts, the campus was the recipient of the Best Workplace for Commuters award from US EPA. The Rideshare program has also initiated an award winning program (recognized by the Association for Commuter Transportation Patriot Chapter/New England) called the Clean Vehicle Permit, which is half price parking for "clean vehicles".

University of Massachusetts Transit Services

University of Massachusetts Transit Services (UMTS) continues to provide superior mass transit to students through on-campus shuttles and through various routes beginning and terminating at the University campus and serving the greater Pioneer Valley. The UMTS teams up with Pioneer Valley Transport Authority to offer mass transit to many corners of this rural area. Last year alone 2.5 million visitors, students, faculty and staff at UMass Amherst utilized this service. This service helps the campus in reducing emissions, directly offsetting emissions from a similar number of vehicle trips had these commuters used their own private vehicles. 

UMTS also aids the commuter by maintaining the online Regional Transportation Information Center. This informational center allows the commuter to review their route prior to leaving for their commute. The site offers visual access to traffic points and patterns in high traffic areas. These normal choke points can be avoided by choosing alternate routes or choosing to use mass transit on any given day. This site also allows UMass Amherst commuters and other residents within the Valley to avoid delays and reduces emissions associated with traffic jams and delays.