Downtown ASU students use "green" modes of transportation

Multimedia package by Jill Burns, Lauren Gutierrez and Katie Kroeze

The Arizona State University’s downtown campus offers several “green” modes of transportation—the Metro Light Rail, shuttles, and Zipcars.  With so many ways to get around campus, which mode do downtown ASU students choose?

The Metro Light Rail takes students around the campus with a deeply discounted ASU student rate.

“I take the Light Rail sometimes.  I use the bus or public transportation, or ASU provides a shuttle from every campus, ” junior Starla Jones said. 

 Shuttle services transport students between West, Downtown Phoenix and Tempe campuses for free.

Zipcars are available for students to rent hourly or by the day for $8.50-$9.50 per hour.  Josue Mecias, a senior at ASU, has not used the Zipcar himself, but knows someone who has.  

“I had a friend that drove to Wisconsin, and then drove there and came back,” Mecias said.

Other students prefer to use their own modes of transportation.  Senior Francisco Urquidez said he usually uses his skateboard or the trolley on campus.  Most of his friends use their bikes or walk.

A few of the downtown campus students seem to rely very heavily on the transportation provided by the school.  Even if they don’t use Zipcars, they are at least knowledgeable about this option.

Urquidez said Zipcars do sound appealing to him, and that he would consider using them.

 “Nine dollars an hour,” Urquidez said.  “Doesn’t seem that bad to avoid the heat.” 

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Many ASU students use Zipcars to go and buy groceries or to use during
extended vacations to go home. (Photo by Jill Burns)

It is common to see students riding their bikes, skateboarding, or walking to class,
even during the summer hours. (Photo by Jill Burns)