Survey Says: More Columbia Commuters are Switching to Electric Vehicles
Meanwhile, travel by fuel combustion engine vehicles is on the decline. Public Transit remains on top.
The results from Columbia’s 2024 Commute and Travel Survey are in. Columbia affiliates continue to choose sustainable commute modes that produce fewer emissions and less traffic congestion, such as transit and walking. However, the data indicates a new and encouraging trend: miles traveled by internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles have decreased for the first time since 2018 (excluding the pandemic dip), while miles traveled by electric vehicle increased by about 90% compared the prior survey results.
Columbia’s Office of Sustainability conducts the Commute and Travel Survey every other year to monitor and report the University’s greenhouse gas emissions and support the goals of Plan 2030. The survey also monitors commuter preferences and supports planning for new transportation resources for the Columbia community to do our part in supporting NYC’s goal of reduced traffic congestion.
Total annual miles traveled by Columbia commuters increased slightly from the prior year and are now at about two-thirds of pre-pandemic levels. Overall, the results demonstrate Columbia students’ and employees’ continued preference for sustainable transportation methods, particularly public transit and University shuttle, which remain the most popular at 79% of 2024’s total miles.
Miles traveled by transit and University shuttle increased by 8 million from 2023 to 2024. In comparison, miles traveled by ICE vehicles decreased by approximately 2 million, and miles traveled by electric vehicle increased by 828,000 miles. While commuter miles traveled by electric vehicle remain a small percentage of the overall total, the rate of increase by this mode of transportation far outpaces the others at 92%. These results are more clearly shown in the graph below.
“The transportation industry and Columbia’s Transportation Working Group have been working hard in recent years to enable and promote sustainable travel through specific programming and infrastructure enhancements, especially throughout New York and here at Columbia," said Daniel Allalemdjian, Director of Sustainability and Transportation for the Office of Sustainability. "These results are made possible by involvement from various University departments that impact transportation. For example, our Parking Office has led the installation of EV charging stations, Columbia Transportation has added electric bus service to support more sustainable commuting, Government and Community Affairs has facilitated discussions around Citi Bike and bike parking, and joint efforts with the Office of Work/Life support Well-Being through walking and biking. The data shows that our joint efforts are working and I couldn’t be more pleased.”
The transportation sector remains one of the highest greenhouse gas emitters, representing nearly 30% of total United States emissions, according to the U.S. EPA. Light duty vehicles, like passenger cars, represent about 57% of the transportation sector’s emissions.
Efforts to promote the transition to low- or zero-emission electric vehicles include Columbia’s EV charging stations, free for parking permit holders, and the continued growth in EV charging infrastructure from the New York City Department of Transportation. In addition, Columbia alumni-founded companies like Voltpost and Revel have pushed forward with private sector EV charging solutions.
To address campus-related transportation emissions and support the goals of Plan 2030, Columbia continues to promote climate-friendly transportation services, including electric shuttle buses, discounted parking for carpool groups, discounts for bike services, and much more. Student groups, such as the Electric Vehicle Organization, also have contributed to the sustainability transportation ecosystem through an analysis of the need for additional electric vehicle chargers on campus.
Julia Widmann completed this analysis of 2024’s Commute and Travel Survey as her first project while a graduate student intern at Columbia’s Office of Sustainability. Julia is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Sustainability Management at Columbia’s School of Professional Studies and the Columbia Climate School. Through this Campus as Lab project, Julia gained new data analysis skills, real world experience, and supported the University's Plan 2030. Next, our team will convert miles travelled by vehicle type to greenhouse gas emissions for our annual report.