Overall Rating Gold
Overall Score 69.86
Liaison Nicole Arsenault
Submission Date April 3, 2024

STARS v2.2

York University
OP-17: Support for Sustainable Transportation

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.00 / 1.00 Nicole Arsenault
Program Director, Sustainability
Office of Sustainability
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Does the institution have a bicycle-sharing program or participate in a local bicycle-sharing program?:
Yes

A brief description of the bicycle sharing program:
York University encourages and supports cycling as a sustainable transportation alternative.

Bike Share Toronto: York University is the first University in the Greater Toronto Area to partner with Bike Share Toronto. Bike Share Toronto stations can be found on the Keele and Glendon campuses. The Toronto Bike share program provides York’s community members with 24/7 convenient access to bikes to help you get around campus in a fun and environmentally friendly manner. There are 40 docking points at the north and south sides of the York University Subway Stations, and 15 on the Glendon Campus inside the main campus entrance.

Does the institution participate in a car sharing program?:
Yes

None
A brief description of the car sharing program:
York University has partnered with Zipcar who provide car share service to students, staff and faculty on campus. Zipcar provides a convenient and cost effective transportation alternative.
- Self-service access to cars 24/7
- Low hourly and daily rates which include gas and insurance
- Cars located right on campus

Faculty, staff and students are able to join Zipcar at significantly discounted rates.

Does the institution offer preferential parking or other incentives for fuel efficient vehicles?:
No

A brief description of the incentives for fuel efficient vehicles:
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Does the institution have one or more Level 2 or Level 3 electric vehicle recharging stations that are accessible to student and employee commuters?:
Yes

None
A brief description of the electric vehicle recharging stations:
In December 2015, a new solar photovoltaic charging station for electric vehicles was installed, now being used for research purposes. Also, in partnership with Natural Resource Canada and FLO, 33 EV charging stations were installed on campus - 29 on the Keele Campus and 4 on the Glendon Campus. They are located in various parking garage's and visitor lot's around campus to increase accessibility. The stations enable private and electric vehicle car-sharing solutions that can be accessed by both students and employees of York at a discounted price.

Does the institution have incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus?:
Yes

None
A brief description of the incentives or programs to encourage employees to live close to campus:
York University Development Corporation, the university, and Tribute worked together to develop housing close to campus. The housing project known as “The Village” was constructed in 2005 and met York’s criteria for a livable, vibrant community that strengthens the fabric of the York community and contributes to its goals of walkability, sustainability, and positive environmental impact.

Does the institution have other programs or initiatives to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and/or reduce the impact of student and employee commuting?:
Yes

A brief description of other programs or initiatives to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation and/or reduce the impact of student and employee commuting:
1. Public Transportation. York University is a major transit hub with two subway stations and local transit buses servicing the Keele Campus daily. We are proud partners with a number of the GTA's local transit agencies, including Brampton Transit (Zum), GO Transit/Metrolinx, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and York Region Transit/VIVA. One of the top priorities of Transportation Services has been to continuously work to improve public transit options to York and reduce the numbers of commuters utilizing single-occupant vehicles. Students can take advantage of discounted transit prices when they use approved student ID and their PRESTO card.
2. Remote Work Policy In March 2021, York University implemented a remote work policy to create a supportive and empowering work environment that also encourages a work-life balance. This transitional policy on remote working arrangements promotes sustainability as it reduces the impact of employee commuting. As per the policy, ""Remote work arrangements may be established when an Eligible Employee requests such an arrangement. Approvals in advance for regular work week remote arrangements and partial work week remote work arrangements are provided by the Office of the Vice-President of each Division on the recommendation of the EO and Dean or AVP, as appropriate."

3. Cycling Pedestrian Policy/Network: All pedestrian paths at York University are considered shared-use zones, which means both cyclists and pedestrians have access to them.

Regenesis Cycle York: Regenesis Cycle York is a community, do-it-yourself bike centre located at York University Keele Campus. We offer affordable repairs, bikes, regular educational workshops, group rides and other events to encourage more ridership on campus.

DIY Repair Stations: York University has 4 DIY Bike Repair Stations on campus (3 at the Keele Campus and 1 at Glendon).
Secured bike enclosures: York University’s Keele Campus offers two (2) secured bike enclosures for use by community members. These enclosures offer protection against theft, vandalism, and inclement weath. They are located on street level just inside the main entrances to each garage for easy access.
Bike Racks: All main buildings on campus are equipped with bicycle racks where bikes can be securely locked."

Optional Fields 

Website URL where information about the institution’s support for sustainable transportation is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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