Influence of campus traffic policy change on employee transportation behavior

Background: The intersection of college campuses with surrounding community environments affects how people move and interact within communities. Related traffic congestion increases safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists, adds to the CO2 emissions, and reduces air quality. Prior studies revealed that convenience and safety were primary reasons why individuals traveled to, from, and on campus in single occupancy vehicles. Purpose: In 2009, the Referent University announced plans for closing the campus interior to pedestrian/bicycle/transit-only access citing a commitment to environmental sustainability via reduction of single occupancy vehicles and traffic congestion. Additionally asserting a reduction in vehicles passing through the center of campus would provide a safer, more pedestrian-friendly campus environment. The plan was implemented in August 2011. Methods: An initial survey was delivered electronically in June 2011 (n=748) to evaluate current employee transportation patterns and anticipated impacts of campus change. A follow up survey (n=655) was administered in October 2011 to ascertain actual changes. Results: A total of 196 (out of 3800 faculty and staff) respondents completed both the initial and follow-up survey. Paired t-tests revealed changes in transportation patterns on campus. Mean scores for driving alone on campus decreased by 6% (p=0.025), walking on campus increased by 7% (p=0.009) and bus ridership increased by 2.5% (p=0.009). When traveling on and off campus, driving with others increased 8% (p=0.04).

Conclusions: Modest changes were found within two months of the policy change altering campus traffic flow. The policy change was associated with behavioral change among employees.