Commuter Challenge returns to campus

By Rick Burchfield

UK Parking and Transportation Services is challenging members of the campus community to reduce their carbon footprint by participating in the second annual Fall Commuter Challenge.

The challenge is a competition that encourages campuses nationwide to track their contribution to reducing carbon emissions by using alternative means of transportation to and from campus, according to its Web site.

Participants keep track of their progress online by logging each time they use some form of alternative transportation, earning points for their team.

Last year UK placed third in total carbon emissions saved and fifth in alternative sources used out of a total of 13 colleges.

Chrissie Balding Tune, senior marketing and promotions specialist for Parking and Transportation Services, said UK has ‘”stiff competition” this year, but hopes the university wins.

“We’re trying to spread the word and encourage anyone and everyone willing to use alternative modes of transportation to and from campus to do so,” Balding Tune said.

This year, ten schools are participating, including Penn State University, Texas A&M University, the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Texas at Austin. The biggest competitor so far is Texas, with 435 participants already registered as of Friday.

The event Web site encourages numerous forms of alternative transportation including walking, biking, carpooling, bus and train.

The city of Lexington and UK offer the LexTran bus system, and students can purchase a “class pass” for $75 a year and $50 a semester, according to its Web site.

Registration is free and students can sign up at the Parking and Transportation Web site, (http://www.uky.edu/Parking/), and (http://commuterchallenges.com/cchome.asp).

The competition will last until Oct. 31.