UCLA Transportation has launched activities for National Rideshare Month on campus, touting its recent achievement pushing UCLA’s employee drive-alone rate to 48.9%, the lowest on record. 

With the commuting student drive-alone rate at 23%, the combined drive-alone rate at UCLA is now just under 37%, far less than Los Angeles County’s commuter drive-alone rate of 76%.

UCLA Transportation continues to push the campus toward reaching its sustainability goals with a wide range of sustainable transportation programs and services, which will be highlighted throughout the month. The department will shine a spotlight on Bruins who “Work Hard, Commute Easy,” by choosing to rideshare to and from campus. They represent the majority of UCLA commuters who use public transit, carpool, vanpool, biking and walking.

“It’s been a wonderful journey riding the bus with fellow Bruins, and it’s just made my commute so much easier,” said Althea Nelson, who works at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. “I’ve met new people and made new friends.”

The benefits of ridesharing instead of driving alone include saving money, reducing stress and living a healthier lifestyle. Nelson has been riding the newly introduced Long Beach Transit commuter line for the last six months and feels it’s the best decision she’s made for her commute.

“I’m saving wear and tear on my car and myself,” Nelson said. “When I get home, I’m already rested. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

To encourage ridesharing during October, UCLA Transportation is collecting pledges from Bruins to try commuting to campus using a more sustainable form of transportation. Each pledge will count as an entry to win prizes such as gift cards, Metro passes, a $100 credit to rent an electric bike from Wheels, and more.

UCLA Transportation will also be hosting its annual Rideshare Fair on Bruin Plaza on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature activities and giveaways aimed at promoting sustainable transportation and a healthy lifestyle. For those who can’t make it, UCLA Transportation will be hosting smaller outreach events throughout the first week of October.

Bruins can learn more about Rideshare Month activities and events on UCLA Transportation’s blog, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. The department supports the campus community by providing safe and efficient access and mobility in an environmentally responsible manner. UCLA Transportation is a self-supporting department and does not receive any funds from tuition or student fees.