Wayne State University has established WayneRides, a “one-stop shop” to promote walking, biking and public transit among students, faculty and staff. The goal of WayneRides is to increase knowledge and use of local transit services. The program is part of the university’s ongoing efforts to create a “24/7 campus” that is active, safe and easy to navigate.
WayneRides’ programming is coordinated by a student transportation ambassador, a position currently held by Amy Alexander, a graduate student in the Department of Urban Studies and Urban Planning. Prior to coming to Wayne State, Alexander served as an instructor in the Open Roads Bike Program in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She also worked in asset-based community development and strategic planning while serving as an Americorps member for Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity. The transportation ambassador role is a partnership between Wayne State’s Dean of Students Office, Office of Economic Development, and Parking and Transportation Services.
"Transportation access is a key contributor to student success,” said David Strauss, dean of students. “There are many excellent transportation options in Southeast Michigan, and having a campus transportation ambassador has enabled us to communicate these resources and raise awareness of transportation needs and services."
In addition to holding office hours and organizing events, Alexander will keep the campus community updated on service improvements — like SMART’s new FAST service, a high-frequency, limited-stop service along Gratiot, Woodward and Michigan avenues — and special Wayne State discounts.
“The transportation ambassador’s work supports other Wayne State placemaking and transit-centered initiatives, including our investments in MoGo bike share and the QLine,” said Emily Thompson, place-based initiatives manager in the WSU Office of Economic Development. “Encouraging students and employees to get out of their personal vehicles and actively engage with our campus and neighborhood is central to creating a more livable campus that is well integrated with our surrounding neighborhood.”
The next WayneRides event is a group bike ride from the Wayne State campus to Eastern Market, in partnership with MoGo Detroit, at 10 a.m. April 7. For more information on WayneRides or the ride to Eastern Market, visit go.wayne.edu/waynerides.