22
April
Author: AM / Category:
money,
transportation
In honor of Earth Day I shall share with UT4D a little ‘green’ information of my own. It is green in the environmentally friendly way as well as green in the wallet friendly way.
Austin CarShare is a non-profit organization that provides members with on-demand access to vehicles without implementing the burden of the cost of car ownership. The program, which was modeled after similar carsharing organizations throughout the country, is a membership-based association that through a required monthly fee allows its participants to reserve and have access to the CarShare’s fleet of vehicles.
The organizations aim is to improve the community through the reduction of traffic, a promotion of sustainable economic development, an increase the number of transportation options, and an improvement in air quality. For the college friendly post that this is, I will stress the economic development benefits of the program. For the Earth Day friendly post that this is, I will stress the air quality improvements of the program.
There are car pick-up locations in Hyde Park and in West Campus (as well as downtown). All in all, a financially friendly way those in need of sporadic car use can gain access to vehicles while contributing to the success of an environmentally conscious program.
16
April
Author: CD / Category:
transportation
A tribute to our fallen soldiers…
20
March
Author: AM / Category:
transportation
The Daily Texan reported yesterday that the APD began a jaywalking crackdown to prevent auto-pedestrian accidents. After a reported 461 auto-pedestrian crashes occurred in 2007, the APD is increasing the number of jaywalking citations issued with fines up to $280.
I find it hard to criticize the measures be taken too harshly as the motive behind the crackdown is to ensure our safety. There are those we see everyday barely escaping oncoming traffic while distracted by cell phones and ipods that could use a $280 wake-up call.
But, for the purpose of playing devil’s advocate (and because this really could be ridiculous) I must question the initiative. For every jaywalking pedestrian there will be a dangerous driver turning on red. (Though, I would love to see APD on bicycles try issuing the herd of students crossing at 24th and Guadalupe tickets as they sprint out into the street at the last blinking hand crosswalk signal.)
The ticket below was issued to a jogger who ran across the street at an intersection when no oncoming traffic was in sight. It was an easy way for APD to collect a quick $280, but ultimately not ensuring the safety of anyone.
18
March
Author: Mully / Category:
transportation
So last Wednesday night, I drove to campus a little early for a meeting and found myself fleeing from a golf cart. (Let’s just say I was ‘pausing’ at 7:20 p.m. in a parking space that became legal for my C-permit status ten minutes later. I noticed a PTS cart pull up behind me at like 7:25 and was forced to peace the heck outta there….)
Face it, parking on campus can be a real doozie at anytime of the day… especially if you don’t know what’s up.
So here’s a some little sweet peaces of parking space heaven that I’ve begun using lately:
- The handicapped spaces directly in front of the Tower. Don’t let that little blue man fool you. The spots are open to everyone with a C-Lot after 7:30 p.m.
- There are three ‘hidden’ spaces on the backside of the Harry Ransom Center. They are for official visitors until 5:45 p.m. And for the rest of us “unofficials-without-any-permits” after that… BE CAREFUL THOUGH: There are only 3!
Happy Parking!
