The Science of Student Commutes: Designing Surveys That Deliver Results

Date: September 15, 2026
Time: 4:20 PM – 4:50 PM
Ballroom H

Transportation is often one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for schools, universities, and public agencies, yet many organizations lack reliable data to inform decision-making. This session explores science-based best practices for designing and administering transportation commuter surveys using California State University, Northridge’s (CSUN) Student Transportation Survey as a case study. Attendees will learn how to collect high-quality transportation data, improve survey response rates, and minimize data cleaning through effective survey design. The session will also demonstrate how survey results can support GHG inventories, Transportation Demand Management (TDM) planning, and the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) by identifying commuting patterns, charging needs, and opportunities to reduce vehicle emissions. Participants from higher education, state, and local government will leave with practical tools to strengthen transportation planning, sustainability initiatives, and data-driven climate action.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Attendees will learn:

• A science-based method for survey design
• Best practices on administering surveys on a college campus, state buildings and city wide
• What and how to ask questions to avoid data cleaning and wasted time interpreting results
• How calculations from survey results can inform transportation and greenhouse gas inventories

Speakers:
Aspen Coty, Sustainability and Zero Waste Coordinator, California State University Northridge
Jalen Bolden, Sustainability Program Coordinator, California State University Northridge