Winter is Here: Options for Sustainable Commuting in the Dark
With the changing of seasons comes what feels like eternal darkness. But don’t let the darker evenings impact your ability to commute sustainably. We recognize that walking in the dark is not always the most comfortable commuting option, however, there are still a myriad of options that will allow you to get your sustainable commute on, in a way that feels comfortable for you.
No matter how you’re getting home, being visible should be a priority. If you choose to commute via bike, at a minimum front and back lights are required by law. The ASUM Transportation Office has free sets in UC 105, or you can also get free bike lights downtown at City Hall.
If you’re commuting by bus, being visible at the bus stop helps the driver know you’re there. You can do this by using the flashlight function on your phone. Other options include wearing reflective clothing or using a bike light to signal.
If you want to catch the bus at night, Mountain Line’s Routes: 1, 2, 6, and 7 all run until 9:45 pm, and Route 11 runs until 8:15 pm. More specifics can be found on their website here: https://www.mountainline.com/maps-schedules/pdf-map-and-schedules/
UDASH also has several night bus options. Red Line- Lewis and Clark run until 10:45 pm with service every 30mins after 6:30 pm. The Gold Line also runs Thursday-Saturday evenings from 10:45 pm to 2:30 am. Bus tracking and detailed routes can be found here: https://www.umt.edu/transportation/default.php
If you decided to commute via walking, the GrizWalk service is happy to escort you. This is a service provided by the UM Police Department’s GrizWalk Security Team. Student teams provide safe walking or driving escorts anytime between dusk and dawn. If GrizWalk is unavailable then a UM Police Officer will provide same service. Call for an escort: 406–243–2777
Missoula in Motion’s Way to Go trip logger is a fantastic resource. Not only do you get rewarded for sustainable commutes, but if you log one sustainable trip a week you are eligible for a Guaranteed Ride Home. Log one sustainable trip a week on your Way to Go account to receive access to 12 Guaranteed Rides Home a year; Missoula in Motion will reimburse the cost of your Uber/Lyft or Taxi ride. Emergency or unexpected situations happen, and this ensures sustainable commuting doesn’t have to get you stuck.
