Sustainable Transportation

Transportation is the second largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the U.S.

Sustainable transportation initiatives aim to reduce GHG emissions by cars, trucks, trains, and other transportation modes by:

  • encouraging the use of hybrid vehicles
  • supporting new clean technologies
  • educating the public about sustainable driving practices

Sustainable transportation

Is owning an electric vehicle right for you? Because electricity is a renewable resource, hybrid and plug-in electric vehicles are better for the environment than vehicles that consume gasoline. They also require less frequent maintenance and often provide tax credit opportunities for owners.

The Corsair Shuttle provides transportation on- and off-campus during the academic year. Routes include UMass Law School and local retail stores.

The Loop Bus is a free ride to and from Star Store campus in downtown New Bedford with your UMass ID. It is a direct route (makes no stops) and runs seven days a week.

Carpool to campus and reduce your impact on the environment by limiting the number of cars on the road. Other benefits including lower individual parking permit fees and designated carpool spaces.

SRTA, the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority, provides bus transportation to Fall River, New Bedford, and the surrounding area.

DATTCO Bus provides transportation to South Station in Boston. Stops include Fairhaven and Taunton.

MegaBus is a long-distance bus that travels to Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut.

ZipCar allows you to rent a car by the hour or day. Gas, insurance, maintenance and 180 miles/day are included in every reservation.

The South Coast Rail Project will restore passenger rail transportation from South Station in Boston to Fall River and New Bedford along an existing freight rail corridor. The project has far-reaching environmental, social, and economic benefits: this project addresses long-standing transportation inequity, encourages economic development and job-creation, and promotes smart and sustainable growth.

Community resources

Making greener vehicle choices

GreenerCars, hosted by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), provides information on the best and worst rated automobiles by vehicle class, gives tips on green driving practices.

Petroleum Reduction Planning Tool helps fleets, consumers, and business owners create a strategy to reduce conventional fuel use in fleet and personal vehicles.

EPA's Green Vehicle Guide will help you choose the cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs.

Southeastern Massachusetts Bikeways offers information about existing and proposed trails, bicyclist resources, maps, and biking clubs.

Better World Auto Club is the environmentally friendly auto club. Membership Includes eco-travel Services, Discounts on hybrid car rental, insurance Services, Free Maps, Auto Maintenance discounts and bicycle roadside assistance.

Community forums/networks

Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium is a public-private partnership of companies, public agencies, and university and federal laboratories working together to promote advanced vehicle technologies in the Northeast United States.

Electric Auto Association provides information about developments in electric vehicle technology, encourages experimentation in the building of electric vehicles, and organize public outreach events showcasing the benefits of electric vehicle technology.

Curricular resources

The Transportation and Climate Change Clearing House provides a forum to share information, learn about new research, and understand practices and approaches that are being used to address the linkages between transportation and climate change.

Fuel Economy Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the site offers information on the connection between fuel economy, advanced technology and the environment.

Clean Vehicles 101 The Union of Concerned Scientists website offers wealth of information about diesel, gasoline, and advanced vehicle technologies and other cleaner transportation choices.

My Travel: Emissions Calculator and Tracking is a suite of tools to help students and educators calculate, track and reduce school-related transportation emissions.

National Transportation Statistics presents statistics on the U.S. transportation system, including its physical components, safety record, economic performance, the human and natural environment, and national security.