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University puts priority on car pooling
The University of the Sunshine Coast has launched priority parking for staff and students who car pool.
USC Manager of Operations Richard Maguire said the T2 (Shared Ride) parking facility would be open every weekday between 7.30am and 9.30am for vehicles with two or more occupants.
About 150 parking spaces are available exclusively for T2 in Car Parks 6 and 8 near the Translink bus interchange.
Mr Maguire said USC aimed to reduce the percentage of single-occupied vehicles among the 4,000 vehicles on campus each day.
“The mornings are our busiest traffic time and we’re encouraging all staff and students to consider the benefits of car pooling,” he said.
“It helps people save money through shared petrol costs, eases traffic congestion and minimises the environmental impacts.”
The T2 opening yesterday was timed for the first day of Semester 2 Orientation this week, as 1,400 new students begin settling into University life.
Mr Maguire said it was part of USC’s sustainable approach to campus access.
“We’re planning a new, swipe-entry bicycle hub with showers, personal lockers and bike lockers,” he said.
“In consultation with Sunshine Coast Regional Council, we’re also extending and improving bike and pedestrian paths.”
USC Security will supervise access to the T2 car parks during the allotted times.
There is a car pooling discussion board available on the USC intranet portal.
— Julie Gatehouse