The transformation of University City in Charlotte, North Carolina from a sprawling suburban area to a dense, walkable, mixed-use center is a commendable long-term goal. However, as we await this evolution, students continue to face the challenge of long commutes to campus. While mixed-use development is the ultimate solution, implementing car-sharing programs in off-campus housing and nearby apartments could offer a more immediate and practical remedy.
The Current Commuter Conundrum
University City's current layout forces many UNC students to rely heavily on personal vehicles for their daily commute as University City is a car-dependent neighborhood. This not only contributes to parking congestion, traffic congestion, and increased carbon emissions but also places a financial burden on students who must bear the costs of car ownership, maintenance, and parking fees.
The First-Year Student Dilemma
First-year students at UNC are generally prohibited from parking on campus unless they qualify for hardship permits. This restriction forces them to find off-campus parking options, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming. This means that first-years who bring their vehicles must find alternative parking off campus, or leave their personal vehicles behind at home and rely on public transportation for non-campus-related travel.
Car-Sharing: A Bridge to Walkability
Introducing car-sharing services in off-campus housing complexes and nearby apartments could significantly alleviate these issues:
Reduced Financial Burden: Car-sharing eliminates the need for individual car ownership, saving students money on insurance, maintenance, and parking fees.
Increased Flexibility: Students would have access to vehicles when needed without the commitment of full-time ownership, perfect for going to class and back, or occasional trips or errands. This specifically allows first-year students to have access to a shared vehicle versus their own vehicle that can't be parked on campus.
Environmental Benefits: Fewer cars on the road means reduced emissions and less traffic congestion around campus.
Community Building: Shared resources can foster a sense of community among students living off-campus.
Implementation Strategies
To make car-sharing a reality in University City:
Partnerships: The university could collaborate with established car-sharing companies, such as Envoy's all-electric car share to provide services at affordable rates for students.
Dedicated Parking: Apartment complexes and off-campus housing would only require to designate a few parking spots for shared vehicles, ensuring easy access for residents.
On-site electric vehicle charging equipment: Envoy's all-electric program would allow students and residents to charge their car share vehicle for free at their property.
Looking Ahead
While car-sharing is not a permanent solution to University City's walkability issues, it serves as a valuable stepping stone. As the area gradually transforms into a mixed-use community, car sharing can help students adapt to a less car-dependent lifestyle. Meg Fencil, director of engagement at Sustain Charlotte, a nonprofit advocating to make the city more walkable and transit-friendly said, "The more spread out we are as a community and the more dependent we are on cars, the more that we have to drive to get to all of our daily destinations. That has direct impacts on our local air quality, but it also means we’re putting more greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere that contribute to climate change."
One study found that each shared vehicle removed 9 to 13 other vehicles from the road. Fewer vehicles can significantly reduce traffic congestion, air and water pollution, and parking infrastructure. As more students embrace shared mobility options, demand for the dense, walkable environments that planners envision may accelerate. This shift in mindset and behavior could prove invaluable as the community transitions towards a more sustainable urban form.
In conclusion, while we wait for the long-term goal of creating a walkable, mixed-use University City, implementing car-sharing in the short term offers a practical and immediate solution to student transportation challenges. Car sharing converts the high fixed costs of owning a car (purchase price, insurance, taxes, and maintenance) into smaller units—the per-hour or per-day price of driving a car. It's a step that addresses students' current needs and paves the way for the future Charlotte strives to build.
Blog inspired by Noah Hughey's commuting and transportation article "Opinion: Off-campus housing options prioritize students with cars" that can be found in Niner Times.
Nominate your off-campus housing or apartment building to find out how electric car sharing as an amenity can alleviate parking and traffic congestion.
Are you a Property Manager or Real Estate developer? Increase your property's value by adding any vehicle from our existing fleet: Rivian R1T, Mercedes EQS, Porche Taycan, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model Y, Chevy Bolt, and Audi e-tron. We hope to hear from you soon!
Comments