Three Ways Off-Campus Students Can Save Money and the Environment on Their Commute to Campus
More students are choosing alternative transportation to travel to campus than ever before. However, we still need your help to encourage even more students to explore alternative transportation options such as Mason Shuttles, carpooling, or bicycling. Because 18% of Mason’s carbon footprint comes from commuting, we encourage all students to help us lower that number by choosing more sustainable and affordable commuting options. Below are a few transportation tips to share with your student for a green and cost effective commute to campus:
- Burke Centre Virginia Railway Express Shuttle
Mason has five different shuttle routes to on-campus and off-campus locations, including a shuttle to the Burke Centre Virginia Railway Express (VRE) station. The VRE station offers railway transportation to locations such as Manassas, Alexandria, Woodbridge, and more. The shuttle runs Monday thru Friday and is timed to the train’s schedule to minimize wait times. Visit shuttle.gmu.edu for more information on shuttle schedules and other destinations serviced by Mason Shuttles.
- Bike to Mason Day
Mason students are changing bike culture across the nation. Bike to Mason Day celebrates existing cyclists and invites all Mason students, faculty, and staff to try biking to campus. The event takes place during Earth Week in April and participants are greeted with breakfast, complimentary bike repair, and free give-aways!
- Zimride
Ridesharing is a great and affordable way to commute to campus. Zimride is Mason’s free rideshare network for students, staff and faculty. Encourage your student to sign up with their Mason ID to find others in their area to carpool and save money on gas.
To stay up-to-date on all transportation options for Mason students, “like” Mason Parking and Transportation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @MasonShuttles and @MasonParking.
Marina Budimir
Transportation Coordinator
Parking and Transportation