As we move towards re-opening the campus, we recognized it was time to re-evaluate the Alternative Transportation Program so that we could support our community’s needs in this new era of Covid and subsequent hybrid work schedules. As of September 1, 2021, we will kick-off the newly branded “R’Commute” Program. The program is designed to motivate employees to use sustainable methods of transportation (including working remotely) rather than driving to campus.
Details of the R’Commute Program are described below:
1) We will continue to offer the program to all faculty and staff with a minimum of a 50% appointment and to full-time grad students. To qualify for the program you may not purchase a monthly, quarterly or annual parking permit and instead use an alternative mode of transportation.
2) Eligibility excludes those that live on campus owned property as the program is intended for those that commute to campus.
3) Qualifying modes of alternative transportation include walking, bicycling, carpool, vanpool, taking transit and telework (working remotely). Telework was added to accommodate those with hybrid work schedules. Being dropped off on campus no longer qualifies as an approved mode. Eligibility of incentives is subject to verification and each mode has its own requirements as noted below:
- Carpool – A carpool must be approved prior to permit purchase. Qualified carpools must consist of 2+ participants (faculty/staff member or grad students only) that carpool at least three days per week for more than 50% of their commute. Carpool permits are discounted and the cost is split between the number of participants.
- Vanpool – Must enroll with Commute with Enterprise and submit a signed Payment Authorization form prior to being approved. Vanpool groups may qualify for a $400 monthly county incentive on top of a $125 monthly incentive offered through Transportation Services.
- Active Transportation – Must reside within walking/cycling distance from campus. Registered walkers and bicyclists are able to use the day-use locker and shower facilities at the SRC. Bicyclists must first register their bike with Transportation Services prior to being approved.
- Telework – Must telework at least twice per week and submit a signed Remote Work Agreement prior to being approved.
- Transit – Free RTA bus passes are provided to registered riders. Proof of ridership of at least three days from the transit provider’s records is required prior to being approved.
4) All approved applicants will additionally receive the following R’Commute incentives:
- One 10-pack of parking permits will be allocated each quarter to all approved participants. Actual allotments provided are dependent on enrollment dates and are prorated. Permits can be redeemed online and reserved up to three days in advance. Available parking lots will vary daily based on demand and are only offered in select blue lots. Permits expire at the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2022).
- Eligibility for the Guaranteed Ride Home Program. Participants will be reimbursed for a Lyft/Uber ride home in case of an emergency. Usage is allowed up to two times per fiscal year and is provided through a county sponsored program.
5) Participants may only change their mode of transportation one time per fiscal year unless they are switching to a carpool or vanpool.
We appreciate those using alternative modes of transportation as it supports UCR’s sustainability efforts as well as to help reduce campus and community congestion. For questions, please call (951) 827-8277 or email alttransportation@ucr.edu.