7 ways to avoid driving to and around UNT and Denton

With fuel costs rising and little relief in sight, you're probably looking for ways to keep gas in your tank without sacrificing your normal day-to-day activities.

Joe Richmond, associate director of UNT's Office of Transportation Services, has 7 alternative transportation opportunities you might not have considered that will reduce your fuel use and shrink your carbon footprint –  helping you save green and be green.

1. Use the UNT shuttle to get from one place to another on the UNT campus.
Though the shuttle is on a reduced schedule during the summer, most campus destinations still benefit from inclusion in the service.

2. Use your UNT ID and ride for free on the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) Denton routes.
Learn more about DCTA's routes and schedule.

3. Use your UNT ID and ride for free on the DCTA Commuter Express service to Dallas.
More than 60 riders per day are now using the service.

4. Walk to UNT service providers (or ride the shuttle) to run errands when possible.
Use the U.S. Post Office sub-station and ATM machines in the University Union and you can even pick up several "convenience store" type items in the UNT Bookstore.

5. Eat lunch on campus
Bruce Hall cafeteria and Avesta are open for summer from June 2 through Aug. 8. Check menus online beginning the last week of May and learn about summer prices. Several summer food service options are also available in the University Union. Check for hours of operation at untretail.com as service hours change in conjunction with summer class sessions.

6. Organize shared rides through UNT's Rideshare Service
This online service allows you to coordinate new carpools or join existing pools with similar destinations.

7. Ride your bicycle.
UNT has parking for about 2,000 bikes on campus, with most bike racks close to building entrances. UNT's new bike paths and bike-friendly policy are designed to encourage bike use on campus. Read more in UNT's bicycling frequently asked questions and answers.