Montgomery County Community College's Interim President and Provost Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez receives the Diamond award on behalf of MCCC from Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management for its commitment to programs that help alleviate traffic congestion.
Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association (GVF) recognized more than 40 organizations on Sept. 16 for being advocates for Transportation Demand Management, including Montgomery County Community College.
MCCC received a Diamond level award for the second consecutive year for its commitment to implement programs that promote commuting alternatives that alleviate congestion for employees and the community.
MCCC provides a free shuttle service to students, faculty and staff between its Central Campus in Blue Bell and West Campus in Pottstown as part of its commitment to environmentally sustainable methods. In September, the service provided 1,290 rides, which reduced the number of vehicle miles by 41,300, saved 5,100 gallons of gasoline and prevented 46 metric tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.
GVF, a non-profit regional transportation association, partners with local private and public sectors to combat challenges, such as traffic congestion and poor air quality, posed by the transportation needs of the more-than four million individuals living and working in the Philadelphia region. The partners combat these challenges through Transportation Demand Management (TDM), strategies that aim to reduce congestion and improve the environment and quality of life.
Examples of TDM include using different modes of transportation such as a bus, bike or walking. It looks at the current design of neighborhoods so that people can make choices other than driving alone. GVF and its partners, including Montgomery County Community College, believe TDM is a priority and work together to develop programs that incorporate TDM and sustainability initiatives into their work environment.
Keynote speaker for the event was Justin Schor, principal, Wells + Associates, a transportation consulting firm. Schor, who recently published a book “Building a Multimodal Future,” spoke about how planning land uses and transportation, together with transportation demand management policies create safer, more walkable environments.