Would you be willing to promise to use something other than a car to get around town at least four times a month? Would the offer of free and unlimited public transportation sweeten the deal?
That’s the pitch Westminster College in Salt Lake City is making to its students: sign a pledge to use alternative transportation four or more times a month, and we’ll give you a free pass to use the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) as much as you like.
Westminster says the pass is worth $1,920, which seems like the offer should be a no-brainer to your average cash-strapped collegian. The passes are good for all of UTA’s services, including buses and TRAX trains. (I’ll note that Westminster is also offering the passes for $20 to those who don’t want to sign the pledge, but — to me — the pledge deal looks better from both a budgetary and environmental perspective.)
A private, liberal arts college, Westminster is taking a variety of steps to help its campus become a more environmentally friendly and sustainable place. Last year, it became the first college in Utah to install on-site solar panels (an 8 kilowatt system on the health, wellness and athletic center). It’s also introduced a free bike rental program, helmet, light and lock included, is installing low-water landscaping and encourages students, faculty and staff to plant on its vegetable and herb garden.