University of Alabama Launches Airport Transit Program in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

A new Airport Transit Program has been established at the University of Alabama (UA) to provide students with a safe and reliable transportation option to major airports. This initiative, a result of a multi-month collaborative effort, directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on sustainable infrastructure, social equity, and strategic partnerships.

Contribution to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Enhancing Access to Sustainable Transport (Target 11.2)

The program is a significant step toward creating a more sustainable campus community by providing access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems. Its contributions include:

• Offering a shared transit system, which reduces the carbon footprint per passenger compared to individual taxi or ride-share services.
• Decreasing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions associated with airport travel.
• Ensuring a reliable and formally organized travel option, which enhances safety and accessibility for all students.

Addressing Social Equity through SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Promoting Inclusion for Non-Resident Students (Target 10.2)

A primary objective of the Airport Transit Program is to ease travel logistics for out-of-state and international students, thereby reducing inequalities in access to transportation.

• The service directly addresses the logistical and financial challenges faced by students without local support networks.
• By providing an affordable and accessible option, the university promotes the social and economic inclusion of its diverse student body.
• This initiative ensures that all students, regardless of origin, have equitable access to essential travel infrastructure.

Fostering Collaborative Action in Line with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

A Model of Multi-Stakeholder Partnership (Target 17.17)

The successful implementation of this program exemplifies an effective partnership between public, private, and civil society entities. The collaboration involved:

1. UA Student Government Association (SGA): Representing student interests, the SGA advocated for the program to address a consistently high-priority student need. SGA President Lucy Bonhaus noted the program “shows what’s possible when students and the university work together.”
2. UA Transportation Services: As a university entity, this department engaged in productive dialogue and contributed its expertise to bring the program to fruition.
3. College Break Bus: The private company partnered to provide the operational framework and service delivery for the airport shuttle.

Program Logistics and Implementation

Service Information

• Reservations: Students are encouraged to reserve shuttle seats in advance via the College Break Bus booking page.
• Schedules and Pricing: Detailed information regarding travel schedules, pickup locations, and pricing is available on the booking website.
• Promotional Offer: A special promotion offers a 5% discount on bookings made by September 1 using the code “SAVE5”.

Analysis of SDGs in the Airport Transit Program Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This goal is addressed through the creation of a “safe and reliable option for traveling.” The Airport Transit Program is a form of shared, accessible transportation, which is a key component of sustainable urban infrastructure.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The article highlights the development of new transportation infrastructure. The collaboration to create the Airport Transit Program represents an innovation in service delivery for the university community, aiming to provide “reliable airport transportation.”

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  This goal is central to the article, which explicitly states that the program was established through coordination among the “UA Student Government Association,” “UA’s Transportation Services,” and the private company “College Break Bus.” This multi-stakeholder partnership was essential for the program’s creation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.

  The article directly relates to this target by introducing a program designed to provide “a safe and reliable option for traveling” and “ease travel logistics for out-of-state and international students,” thereby improving access to transportation for a specific segment of the community.

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.

  The program is an example of developing reliable transport infrastructure. The article emphasizes its reliability and its role in serving students, particularly those from out-of-state and international backgrounds, which aligns with the focus on equitable access.

• Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

  The article provides a clear example of this target in action. The SGA President states, “This effort shows what’s possible when students and the university work together,” highlighting the partnership between the student government (civil society), the university’s Transportation Services (public), and College Break Bus (private).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicators for Target 11.2 & 9.1

  The article implies several indicators for measuring access to and reliability of the new transport system:

  1. Number of students using the service: The call to “reserve their shuttle seats early” and the offering of a promo code imply that the number of bookings is a key metric for the program’s success and reach.
  2. Service availability: The existence of “travel schedules, pricing and pickup locations” on the booking page serves as a direct indicator that a new, accessible transport option is now available to students.
  3. Student satisfaction: While not directly measured, the SGA President’s statement about advocating for “what students need most” implies that meeting this need and achieving student satisfaction is a primary goal and an implicit measure of success.

• Indicator for Target 17.17

  The primary indicator is the successful establishment and operation of the partnership itself.

  1. Existence of a formal multi-stakeholder agreement: The article’s description of the months-long coordination between the SGA, UA Transportation Services, and College Break Bus to launch the program is a direct indicator of a functioning public-private-civil society partnership.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.ua.edu