Commute Stories: Adam Courtney

Adam Courtney (Senior energy engineer, Energy and Engineering, Columbia University Facilities & Operations) commutes via Columbia shuttle from Lamont Observatory to the Morningside Campus.

Adam Courtney (Senior energy engineer, Energy and Engineering, Columbia University Facilities & Operations) commutes via Columbia shuttle from Lamont Observatory to the Morningside Campus.

Adam started his shuttle commute in 2018. He says he appreciates taking individual action in reducing the University’s carbon emissions.

"It's like a giant rideshare," he explains. "We're reducing individual car usage, which is a big step towards lowering our carbon footprint," says Adam Courtney about how the Lamont-Doherty Shuttle Park & Ride program aligns with his role in energy and engineering at Columbia.

The Park & Ride program is a commuting solution offered by Columbia University as part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions under Plan 2030. Located at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, this program provides Columbia faculty and staff with a convenient and eco-friendly way to commute to the Morningside or Manhattanville campuses.

For a nominal fee, individuals can park their vehicles at the Observatory and then ride the free shuttle, which traverses the George Washington Bridge, making designated stops at the Manhattanville and Morningside campuses. This program is reducing Columbia’s carbon emissions while easing traffic congestion and fostering commuting solutions to its local community. It supports the University's commitment to adopt safe and sustainable mobility options that lead by example and contribute to the livability of NYC.

For Adam, a Senior Energy Engineer at Columbia and a Nyack resident, the program is not just convenient but also a significant cost-saver. "By using the shuttle daily since 2018, I save approximately $425 each month compared to driving," Adam says. His commute includes a scenic ride across the George Washington Bridge, offering a stress-free journey without the usual city driving hassles.

Adam's commitment to Columbia's sustainability goals is evident in his enthusiasm for the shuttle program. While he appreciates the current schedule and stops, he suggests expanding parking availability and early morning shuttle services for greater convenience.

Participating in the shuttle program has not only reduced Adam's commuting stress but also resonated with his role in promoting environmental stewardship within the University community.