If few parking spaces and pedestrian-filled streets weren't enough, the Alternative Transportation Fair Wednesday proved there's another reason not to drive to campus.
The fair, hosted at the beginning of each semester by the Office of Sustainability, aims to educate students about the various types of transportation available.
"Students, staff and faculty are fresh, and maybe they're settling into a new routine for the year, so it serves to be an educational reminder of what kind of modes and options are on campus and around Gainesville," said Ashley Pennington, outreach coordinator for the UF Office of Sustainability.
Different organizations set up booths for the fair.
The Office of Sustainability, RTS services, UF Transportation and Parking Services, the City of Gainesville, Gainesville Police and GOTCHA Ride each had its own booth.
RTS services distributed fliers about various bus routes.
UF transportation services spoke to students about the Zipcar program, which is a by-the-hour car rental program available to UF faculty and students.
Gainesville Police and the City of Gainesville spoke about bike safety and traveling rules.
GOTCHA Ride advertised its free services to students who need a safe ride home from downtown.
"It's a safe, easy and eco-friendly way to get home," Pennington said.
The fair is the kickoff to the Office of Sustainability's One Less Car program.
Each year, a day in October is chosen to be One Less Car Day.
People are urged to try different methods of transportation on that day, which, this year, will be held on Oct. 26.
People can register for One Less Car Day at www.sustainable.ufl.edu/onelesscar.
The first 800 people to register for the event will receive a free One Less Car T-shirt.
"Whether you choose to do it one day or try to commute alternatively every day, you can make small choices that have big impacts," Pennington said.
