Faculty/Staff Commuter Choice Program FAQ
Why did the Commuter Program change?
Since the program’s inception in 1991, the University has not achieved its required goal (air quality emissions reduction goals). As a result, the University has decided to refocus parking fund resources on commute options that do not bring vehicles onto campus.
If I own a parking permit, why will I only receive 50% of monthly financial incentives?
The intent of the Commuter Choice Program is to encourage employees to commit to a commute option and reduce the number of single occupant vehicle (SOV) trips to campus. Providing 100% subsidy (up to $100) to employees who do not own a permit and use a commute option fulfills this intent. However, we also recognize that there are employees who are able to commute only on a part-time basis and we want to continue to support their efforts by offering a 50% subsidy (up to $50).
If I own a parking permit, will that effect GRT, Recruitment Bonus or Bicycle Tune-up reimbursement incentives? What if I were to win a quarterly or annual drawing?
The 50% applies to monthly rail, MTA pass, 3rd party vanpool reimbursements and the daily financial incentive for walkers and bicyclists. All Commuter Choice Program participants, regardless of their permit status will continue to be eligible for the GRT, Recruitment Bonus, Bicycle Tune-up and drawing incentives.
Why are carpoolers excluded from receiving Commuter Rewards ($1 a day)?
An analysis of program participation indicates the average number of carpools arriving to campus has remained the same since the Carpool Parking and Commuter Reward programs were implemented. Based on average monthly incentives paid ($13 per participant), carpools are only 62% of the time. The $1/day incentive is not a primary motivator for employee carpooling, rather reserved spaces in convenient locations is the primary motivator and incentive that encourages employee carpooling.
In regards to the OCTA University Pass (U-Pass) Program, what does “encoded TitanCards” mean?
Currently, any individual with an activated TitanCard can use it as a OCTA bus pass. “Encoding” a U-Pass expiration date on TitanCards ensures that only current employees and students are able to use the program. Encoding will begin June 1, 2004 and encoded TitanCards will be required to board OCTA busses beginning September 1, 2004.
How often do I have to encode my TitanCard?
For now, Titan Cards will be encoded on an annual basis. However, it may be necessary to encode TitanCards on a more frequent basis.
Where can I encode my TitanCard?
Starting June 1, 2004 TitanCards can be encoded at the TitanCard office. Check the Titan Card website for office hours.
I live in LA County, is my TitanCard valid as an MTA (Los Angeles bus system) pass?
No, the MTA will not accept TitanCards as bus passes. However, eligible employees who do not own parking permits may receive 100% reimbursement for MTA monthly passes.
Why was Titan Link shuttle discontinued?
Titan Link shuttle service costs approximately$150,000 per year. Further, the service duplicates existing OCTA schedules for routes directly servicing the campus. A comparison of the month cost per rail participant (monthly rail pass reimbursement + Titan Link shuttle cost) is significantly higher than any other Commuter Program reimbursement or financial incentive.
What transportation is available from Anaheim Canyon or Fullerton train stations to and from CSUF?
OCTA Route 24 serves Anaheim Canyon and Route 26 serves Fullerton. Schedules showing OCTA service to and from local train stations are available by clicking here. OCTA bus information and schedules is available at http://www.octa.net/
What will happen to the money that was used to pay for Titan Link shuttle?
The money will be used for student transportation programs and subsidies and to offset the cost of U-Pass. One of the first programs is to provide a subsidy for students who commute to campus by rail.
Are there any active CSUF Vanpools?
No, there are no active vanpools. However, formation meetings for interested employees are coming soon.
Which incentives have increased?
U-Pass program allows current employees and students to ride the bus for free. Reimbursements are now available for MTA (LA County bus system) and Rail and Vanpool subsidies have increased to 100% for employees who do not own a parking permit.
Why can't hybrid vehicles be counted the same as electric vehicles or as a single person carpool?
A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that is powered using both electric and gasoline-powered motors. Emissions from hybrid electric motor vehicles may also have substantially lower emissions than conventionally powered motor vehicles. However, because they are fueled by gasoline, instead of an alternative fuel, they do not qualify to receive any credit at this time. Qualifying vehicles must be 100% electric (i.e., ZEV - zero emission vehicles). While the hybrid vehicles currently offered in California are very clean vehicles, they do fall short of electric vehicles (EVs) and alterative fuel vehicles in several key areas. ZEVs offer significant reductions over hybrids and these emission rates improve over time due to the fact that hybrids produce more emissions as they age. Hybrids will never be true zero-emission vehicles because of their internal combustions engine. Currently, only ZEVs qualify for AQMD credits.
Why isn’t my motorcycle counted as a carpool, since it can use the carpool lanes?
Motorcycles are permitted by federal law to use HOV lanes, even though they typically carry only one passenger. The reason is that allowing motorcycles to use HOV lanes keeps them moving, and it is considered safer to keep two-wheel vehicles moving than it is to have them traveling in start-and-stop traffic conditions and has nothing to do with emissions reductions. The campus transportation program emphasis is to promote and subsidize commute trips that do not bring cars to campus, such as walking, cycling and using alternative transportation.