Worcester State University will be looking a little bit greener this year as students, faculty, and staff return next week for the start of the 2015 Fall Semester – and it’s not because of the abundant foliage on campus.
Rather, Worcester State is adding new green transportation options. According to Steven Bandarra, sustainability coordinator, the options “spotlight the campus’s commitment to a greener future.” The new features include:
- Electric Car (EV) charging station – A ChargePoint two-head charger was installed in June. It is free of charge to use (as it is at other Worcester universities) but is accessed by swiping a ChargePoint card or credit card with RFID chip to unlock the handle. If you have been thinking about buying or leasing an EV, now is the time!
- Zipcar arrives September 3rd with a kick-off party from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Sheehan/Wasylean courtyard (complete with free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream!) – Zipcar is a car sharing service allowing students, faculty and staff to use one of two cars by the hour. A yearly $25 subscription is required, but once paid, users receive a $35 credit that can be used in the first month (only in the first month). Reservations are made online and details are here.
- New WRTA “College Route” #10 — This new WRTA line will have a stop on campus, next to the Tiffany Gates on Chandler Street, and across the street at Claridge and Chandler. It will connect us to Assumption College, The College of the Holy Cross, and the WRTA hub at Union Station. It will begin operating on August 31. Download the route map and schedule from this page.
- Bike Share – Students, faculty and staff can borrow a bicycle for free, thanks to a generous gift by alumni Gregg ’86 and Pamela ’87 Rosen. The gift funded five new Worcester State Foundation bikes, as well as the awnings outside the Student Center, at NuCafe and at the Worcester Center for Crafts. Users need to watch a video and sign up here before borrowing a bike at the information desk in the Student Center.
- Carpool parking spots – Two parking spots dedicated for people with carpools of two or more people were reinstalled this summer. We are pleased to provide these spots, which are required by the MassDEP.
Also, don’t forget to save the date… the Sustainability/Food Day Fair will be Wednesday and Thursday October 21 and 22!
If you have any questions about these new transportation options, please contact Sustainability Coordinator Steve Bandarra at 508-929-8332 or steven.bandarra@worcester.edu.
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