Elon University’s most recent Commuter Habit Survey indicates that 74.3% of students and 11.5% of faculty and staff utilize more sustainable commuting options as their primary mode of transportation to and from campus.
According to Elon University’s Commuter Habit Survey, conducted most recently in 2023, 74.3% of students and 11.5% of faculty and staff utilize more sustainable commuting options, such as carpooling, walking, biking and taking public transportation, as their primary mode of transportation to and from campus. This survey is used to determine the commuting habits of students, faculty and staff, which informs Elon’s annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory.
Data from the FY 2023 GHG Inventory show that commuting accounts for 17% of Elon’s GHG emissions, making it the third largest source of Elon’s GHG emissions, after energy consumption (43%) and study abroad travel (21%). These numbers represent gross emissions, before subtracting verified carbon offsets.
When asked what sustainable transportation mode they would most likely adopt if additional incentives or infrastructure improvements were implemented, off-campus survey respondents frequently chose to carpool, taking a bus and biking, while on-campus respondents indicated interest in biking and carpooling. These preferences highlight potential areas for further development to reduce emissions and support a more sustainable campus culture.
For those interested in carpooling, Elon offers Share the Ride NC, a free Elon-specific ride-sharing service available to Elon University students, faculty and staff to help connect carpool partners. Those interested can register with their Elon email address to find Elon-specific carpool partners.
For those interested in taking a bus, expanded offerings are now available. In addition to the Elon Express, which runs throughout campus and to off-campus shopping centers. The university also recently started a partnership with a local public transit system, Link Transit. This partnership allows Elon students, faculty and staff to ride Link Transit routes for free with their Phoenix Card. The blue line, which has a stop on West Haggard Ave at N. Holt Ave, runs from downtown Burlington to Gibsonville and connects to other lines in downtown Burlington.
In 2024, the Town of Elon adopted a Multimodal Network Plan to focus on recommendations for safe, comfortable, accessible infrastructure for those walking, biking and using public transportation.
With the launch of Elon’s next Sustainability Master Plan this spring, Elon University will continue to explore strategies to make sustainable transportation options more attractive and viable to the Elon University community.