Cutting back on the fumes

OK, this is one green offense that I’m definitely guilty of.

I drive my car back and forth to school every day — sometimes twice a day. But since I live almost five miles outside of campus and work long hours into the night, what’s a girl to do?

Well, in light of the fact that oil is passing the $102-per-barrel mark of last week and the price of unleaded is creeping past $3 a gallon, I decided to do something about my driving habits before my tank hits empty.

There are a few alternatives that piqued my interest: a shuttle that runs to and from my apartment, the public transit route, investing in a bicycle or setting up a carpooling system with my roommates.

Many apartment complexes that are located beyond a square mile of the university offer shuttles that take about 20 students to and from the University of Arizona in 20-30 minute intervals throughout the 8-5 p.m. school day.

It isn't rare to see students outside the Communication Building waiting for the next pick up (see photo).

Some student apartment complexes that carry this service include Gateway at Tucson, The Reserve at Star Pass and NorthPointe.

I’ve lived at The Reserve at 41 S. Shannon Road for almost three years, and over time, I find myself using the service less and less. This trend is due mostly to my schedule.

If you have a set schedule daily that ends around 5 p.m., this is a great service. I still use the shuttle to cut out a second midday trip to my apartment — in case there is a need for a quick nap before my workday begins.

Unfortunately, Tucson is not San Francisco. There are no BART or MUNI systems. Tucson does, however, offer Sun Tran, a public transit bus route. The system-wide transit map shows that the routes range all over the city, from the east side to the west side — stopping right before my apartment complex.

Yes, buses can be very intimidating. But here’s hoping that all of those preconceptions are just stereotypes.

I’m not really into the bus system, though. These are the days that I wish I still owned a bicycle — and still knew HOW to ride one. It could be a decent investment, especially since the weather is becoming more cooperative.

It's been catching on for years too, as many bike racks around campus are relatively full throughout the school year (see photo)

But if a bike is not in the cards for you, one other suggestion is to create a carpooling group. I’ve never been too shy to mooch a ride home with one of my gas-guzzling roommates.

Whatever the solution, there are many out there. Check out Clean Air Online for even more suggestions.

Until then, I’m going to be avoiding the gas station.