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Transportation Services releases campus commuting report

February 10, 2015

Photo: Passengers boarding bus in the snow

Buses are a popular mode of transportation for students, faculty and staff, but during good weather, 52 percent of UW–Madison faculty and staff and UW Hospital employees drive alone to work every day.

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Transportation Services has released the results of its latest biennial survey of UW–Madison faculty, staff and students and UW Hospital employees.

The survey was administered through an online questionnaire sent to students and employees to obtain information about their transportation and commuting habits.

A few of the findings highlighted in the 2014 Biennial Survey Report include:

  • During good weather, 52 percent of UW–Madison faculty and staff and UW Hospital employees drive alone to work every day.
  • Distance to campus also plays a role in transportation choices. Sixty-three percent of faculty and staff who live less than one mile from campus report walking to work during good weather, while 78 percent of faculty and staff who live between 11 and 25 miles from work choose to drive alone.
  • Students use a variety of modes to get to work and class. Walking, biking, campus buses and Metro buses are among the most popular choices. During good weather, 49 percent of students choose to walk, and 22 percent bike. During bad weather, the rates drop to 32 percent and 3 percent, respectively.
  • A significant percentage of students and employees ride Madison Metro buses during good and bad weather.
  • Bicycling continues to prove a popular choice among faculty and staff, with 17 percent of commuters choosing to bike during good weather.
  • Carpool, vanpool, motorcycle, moped and other options make up a smaller percentage of transportation modes chosen by faculty and staff.

Read the full 2014 Biennial Survey Report