By: Bob Browand 

Since earning Tier One status more than five years ago, enrollment at the University of Houston has only grown. While we all know that in the grand scheme of things, this is a wonderful, well-deserved accomplishment, the continual increase in Coogs is exactly why the fourth and final post in our 2016-2017 Parking Preview is dedicated solely to alternative transportation changes.

My team and I recognized that with more and more people traveling to and around our less-than-600-acre campus, we needed to develop a program to help individuals better understand and take advantage of the alternative transportation options available to them through the University. 

After working closely with internal and external partners, our new alternative transportation incentive program, COAST (which stands for Coogs on Alternative and Sustainable Transportation), was born. 

The program, which is a revamped and expanded version of our Commuter Club, offers eligible UH students, faculty and staff, discounts and incentives for carpooling to campus, utilizing Zipcar or riding METRO. Depending on which component of the program individuals choose to use, they will receive Zipcar driving credits, a discounted parking permit or reduced METRO fares.

It’s important to note, though, that not every part of the program is available to everyone, so if you're interested in participating, you should double check the eligibility page to see if you qualify.

What's great about COAST, though, is that in addition to providing perks and discounts to participants, the program also helps the environment by decreasing the number of vehicles on the road, which simultaneously helps the University by freeing up existing parking spaces. 

In fact, if less than 2% of students and less than 1.75% of faculty/staff members agree to participate in COAST, more than 500 spaces will be freed up on campus. 

If you're interested in participating or just learning more, please fill out our online form or stop by the Parking and Transportation Services office, located next to Taco Cabana in the Stadium Parking Garage. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Pleast note, COAST memberships are not official or complete until prospective participants meet with a Parking and Transportation representative. During this meeting, individuals will be asked to sign a commuter pledge that states that members of COAST agree to not purchase a parking permit or participate in any other UH Parking and Transportation Services subsidized programs.                                      

For additional questions and more information, visit www.uh.edu/coast, email coast@uh.edu or call 832-842-1097.

published: Tuesday, June 7, 2016