An organization in Eugene is helping members of the community find efficient and sustainable ways to save money, while also getting you from “point to point.”
A part of the Lane Transit District, Point 2 Point Solutions is the regional transportation option for central Lane County. Commuter Solutions later changed to Point 2 Point Solutions in 2008, focuses on bringing different modes of transportation solutions to students, faculty and members of the community living in Eugene, Springfield, ODOT and Lane County.
Point 2 Point Solutions brings information and resources to people so that they can “think outside the car,” said Marcia Maffei, employer program coordinator at Point 2 Point.
Point 2 Point has various programs within the organization that not only helps business owners and their employees, but also affects UO students and staff. These programs include the discounted group pass programs, Park and Ride, carpool/vanpool matching and many more.
The discounted group pass program allows UO students and staff the opportunity to ride the bus for free as long as they have their UO IDs on them. Park and Ride — a lot like the TriMet: Max Light Rail Service in Portland — allows students, staff and members of the community to park their cars at one of the 25 parking lots located around Eugene and Springfield.
This program affects UO students and staff in a positive way. They can use various Park and Ride lots that serve directly to the UO campus — such as 2500 W. 18th Ave., 333 W. 11th Ave. (at Seneca Road), 13th Avenue and Polk Street, 29th Avenue and Amazon Parkway and 355 South A Street.
The University of Oregon has also become one of the top five bike friendly colleges in the United States. Briana Orr, bike program coordinator, works with Point 2 Point to create efficient ways for students to get around campus with their bikes.
This program, located within the Bike Barn at the Outdoor Program offers students the option to loan out bikes for an entire academic year at only $30, rents out bikes for day-to-day uses and allows students the option of maintaining their bikes for free at the Bike Barn with the help of professional staff.
“I am particularly passionate about helping others discover how the bicycle can be a tool to improve their own lives and our community as well as a vehicle to explore new places,” Orr said.
The success of Point 2 Point Solutions proves the need for a program like this within Eugene and Springfield. They have created sustainable transportation solutions for the community and made it easier for individuals to get from place to place every day.
“Point 2 Point encourages all UO students, faculty and staff to explore their transportation options. There are so many convenient ways to get to campus, from riding LTD free, to biking, walking and carpooling,” said Tracy Ellis, rideshare program specialist at Point 2 Point. “These options will help you to avoid the parking hassles, get active and save a lot of money on expenses that come with vehicle ownership.”