A Sustainable Transportation system allows affordable access to transportation modes, which are consistent with ecosystem health and support low impact economic development.
In the US, transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHS) emissions after electricity generation. Sustainable Transportation initiatives aim to reduce GHG emissions by cars, trucks, trains, vessels and other transportation modes by encouraging the use of hybrid vehicles, supporting new clean technologies, and educating the public about sustainable driving practices.
Campus Projects
The Loop Bus: Connecting the Campus & Community
The Loop Bus is a pilot project offering FREE transportation service connecting the UMass Dartmouth campuses and the downtown New Bedford.
Campus Bike and Walking Path
Imagine being able to bicycle, safely, from your home to your job. We may be a step closer to making that a reality if the SouthCoast Regional Bikeway moves forward. The Office of Campus and Community Sustainability and the Southeastern Planning and Development District (SRPEDD) have hosted several public forums to discuss the development of the bikeway. Proposed bikeway routes will connect our students, staff, and faculty with a convenient bicycle-friendly route between campuses and towns.
Short Sea Shipping Symposium
This two-day conference provided attendees with a broad overview of domestic Short Sea Shipping. Over 100 representatives from federal, state and local government agencies, consultants, shipping industry representatives, and environmental advocates participated in the discussions.
Fuel Alternatives: Biodiesel Project
A group of UMass Dartmouth senior engineers have been working on a design project to produce biodiesel, a renewable and clean burning version of diesel fuel. The group, consisting of Mechanical Engineering seniors Ryan Brodeur, Erica Botelho, Nate Bolton and Electrical Engineering senior Joe Pandolfo has started a pilot processing facility on campus to fuel a trial run vehicle. The team will build a processing facility that converts waste vegetable oil that was used in the campus dining facilities to biodiesel.
Researching SMART Transportation Choices
The UMass Dartmouth is exploring solutions to a better and more efficient transportation system development. Utilization of intermodal systems together with traffic efficient technologies will provide a range of smart commuting choices. Our campus research is focused on traffic studies, intelligence transportation systems, environmentally friendly pavements, bike route analysis. Furthermore, collaborations with the regional economic development agencies facilitate local solutions for more affordable daily commuting options.
For more information about Sustainable Transportation Research, visit the Sustainability Research section.
Curricular Resources
Instructional Development
The Transportation and Climate Change Clearinghouse The Transportation and Climate Change Clearinghouse aims to serve as a one-stop source of information for the transportation community on transportation and climate change issues. It 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.
Transportation Tools This EPA website provides analytical tools to evaluate transportation emission levels, commuting data, infrastructure efficiencies, etc.
Fuel Economy Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Fuel Economy Web site is designed to help the public factor energy efficiency into their car buying decisions. This Web 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 MyTravel is a suite of tools to help students and educators calculate, track and reduce school-related transportation emissions.
Data & Statistics
National Transportation Statistics
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. This is a large online document comprising more than 260 data tables plus data source and accuracy statements, glossary and a list of acronyms and initialisms.
Community Projects
New Bedford Harbor Development & Short Sea Shipping
The New Bedford Harbor Development Commission works to support economic development along the waterfront. It supports development of Domestic Short Sea Shipping as a viable and environmentally friendly commercial freight alternative that utilizes inland and coastal waterways to move cargo from major domestic ports to its destination. Short Sea Shipping promises an environmentally sound, cost effective, and manageably capitalized solution. The Harbor Development Commission is currently looking at port development, economic benefits, environmental factors, and other significant aspects in developing a short sea network at the Port of New Bedford.
Regional Bike Path Plans
The South Coast Regional Bikeway will be connecting communities from Rhode Island to the Cape Cod. The bikeway is a viable commuting and recreational option. First proposed a SouthCoast bikeway in the late 1970s, the bikeway development plans are gaining new momentum. Currently, bike routes through Swansea and Fairhaven sections are complete. Other sections have just recently moved into the design or construction phase.
For more information on the status of the South Coast Bikeway development, please contact Adam Recchia, Regional Transportation Planner at the Southcoast Regional Development District.South Coast Rail Project
The South Coast Rail project will restore passenger rail transportation from South Station in Boston to the cities of Fall River and New Bedford along an existing freight rail corridor running south from Taunton to Fall River and New Bedford.
The project has far-reaching environmental, social, and economic benefits: the project is addressing long-standing transportation inequity, encouraging economic development and job-creation, promoting smart and sustainable growth.
Community Resources
Making Greener Vehicle Choices
GreenerCars
Green Book, a site 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.
ZipCar.com
ZipCar is a car rental service in Boston, Massachusetts that rents cars on an hourly basis for those that drive infrequently. Fuel, maintenance and off-street parking are part of the service. Environmental benefits include reducing the number of cars on the roads and ensuring that the cars being rented are up to the highest emissions standards.
Petroleum Reduction Planning Tool
The 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
This guide will help you choose the cleanest and most fuel-efficient vehicle that meets your needs.
Sustainable Transportation
Southeastern Massachusetts Bikeways
This website offers information about existing and proposed trails, bicyclist resources, maps, and biking clubs.
Better World Auto Club
Better World 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
North East Advanced Vehicle Consortium
The NAVC 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
The EAA 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.
