COC Intern Develops Sustainable Transportation Strategies for PSU

COC Climate Economy graduate intern Derek Dauphin was recently featured in the Portland State University (PSU) Vanguard newspaper for work he and a group of fellow graduate students are doing to improve access to affordable transportation at PSU. TriMet is set to increase fares and eliminate the Free Rail Zone at the same time that PSU’s subsidy for the current student transit pass is being redirected to parking structure maintenance. This will lead to much more expensive transportation costs for students.

The group was awarded a Solutions Generator Grant from the Institute for Sustainable Solutions in February, and has since worked with TriMet, PSU administration, and student groups to develop a new transportation program. They also are establishing a student transportation committee that will redefine how the university addresses this vital component of life at PSU. With the student senate picking up the project, further funding is being sought to ensure the success of the program. Read the article here.