George Washington University
OP-19: Student Commute Modal Split

The commuting data do not include student travel to/from campus at the beginning/end of each semester. In early 2010, GW and external consultant performed a comprehensive transportation survey of each major population segment (students, staff, and faculty). STARS data are based on this 2010 survey. The survey was distributed in February 2010 to faculty, staff, and students University-wide (including the Foggy Bottom Campus, Mount Vernon Campus, and Loudon Campus). The purpose of the survey was to determine the travel characteristics and patterns of faculty, staff, and students. One questionnaire was provided for faculty and staff and one questionnaire was provided for students. The survey closed in March 2010. The survey was distributed electronically to 800 faculty, 1,300 staff and 6,000 students. A total of 1,032 faculty and staff responded, while 2,130 students responded. Numbers extrapolated were done so to the best of our understanding of the data being requested for STARS vis-a-vis the data surveyed in the report.

To facilitate transportation between GW's three campuses (Foggy Bottom, Mount Vernon, and Virginia), GW operates the Vern Express which runs between the Mount Vernon Campus and the Foggy Bottom Campus, the Virginia Shuttle which transports people between the Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VSTC) to the Foggy Bottom Campus, and offers a free shuttle (the Wiehle Express) to and from the Wiehle Metro station to GW's VSTC. These shuttle and bus services for students, faculty, and staff help reduce vehicle miles traveled per capita by reducing reliance on via single occupancy vehicles (SOVs) as a primary mode of transit. Portions of this service are open to members of GW's community neighbors as well. "More sustainable commuting options" interpreted as all means of transportation other than commuting to campus via single occupancy vehicle.