The University of Nebraska Medical Center and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine, launched a new program this week to encourage employees to avoid driving solo to work and to carpool, walk, bus or bike as an alternative way to save money and reduce traffic congestion on the main midtown campus at 42nd Street and Dewey Avenue.
The program, called TravelSmart, is available to the more than 13,000 faculty, staff and students who currently travel to/from the campus.
"We're really excited about the program," said Melanie Stewart, who is implementation team coordinator for the program. "It's important to know that the program can be used daily, but if that's not possible, you can still participate and see benefits."
Forums were held last week to answer questions and provide more details. In addition, several stories ran in the daily employee newsletters for both UNMC and Nebraska Medicine and a special website was created.
“As one of the largest employers in the city which values its location in midtown Omaha, UNMC/Nebraska Medicine is leading the way by promoting active transportation,” Stewart said.
“The use of active transportation helps to reduce traffic congestion, road maintenance, and emissions/pollution, all of which benefit the entire community and helps us to meet our mission.
“Operational costs can be kept lower by reducing the need for additional parking on campus, which also reduces urban sprawl and allows for more green space on campus. This is beneficial to employees and students as well as visitors and patients.
Some of the key program perks include:
· Free bus pass, free carpool pass and free indoor/secure bike storage (and access to locker and shower facilities).
· Free access to a service that helps find carpool partners.
· Free ride home when unforeseen emergencies occur on the days active transportation is used.
· Participants will have access to $3 daily-rate flexible parking on the days they need to drive alone in their vehicles (three convenient parking areas across campus).
See a video about the program here.
We are Nebraska Medicine and UNMC. Our mission is to lead the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities through premier educational programs, innovative research and extraordinary patient care.
Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube