UCLA Transportation’s “State of the Commute 2024” report indicates a decline in automobile commutes despite a rise in the university’s population by nearly 10,000 students, faculty, and staff. The report highlights that the percentage of vehicle trips by employees and students is at a historic low on the UCLA campus.
Public transit and zero-emission vehicles have become increasingly popular among UCLA commuters. The report mentions that Bruins are choosing sustainable commuting options in significant numbers, with close to 19,000 U-Passes distributed to undergraduates and 35% of student residents reporting increased transit use.
Furthermore, nearly 4,000 UCLA employees commute daily using zero-emission vehicles. UCLA employees have among the highest zero-emission vehicle commute rates compared to other U.S. colleges. To accommodate the growing demand for electric vehicles, UCLA Transportation installed 112 Level 1 chargers and five accessible Level 2 chargers, raising the total EV charging plug count to 549.
Additionally, environmentally friendly commuting increased among university employees, with 61% starting their workday sustainably. This increase can be attributed to a spike in transit ridership from 100,935 to 144,628 trips in 2024, alongside more faculty and staff choosing to walk, carpool, or vanpool. Telecommuting rates also surpassed the L.A. County average, contributing to reduced traffic congestion.
The report also notes a significant shift in students’ commuting choices, as many opt for public transportation over driving alone. UCLA’s Bruin U-Pass and Bruin Grad Pass programs have played a role in this shift. Complementing public transit, there has been a rise in bicycle and scooter usage on campus, with over 50,000 bicycle trips recorded by UCLA’s counters in 2024.
Additionally, Waymo’s zero-emission autonomous vehicle service became available on campus in 2024, adding to the diverse transportation options for Bruins.
More detailed insights into these commuting trends can be explored on the UCLA State of the Commute 2024 website.
