The International Parking & Mobility Institute (IPMI) chose UCLA Transportation as the 2021 Organization of the Year, recognizing the department’s operational excellence and designating the university organization as the best in the parking, transportation, and mobility industry.
UCLA Transportation was honored for its breadth of programs and services and commitment to advancing innovative ideas. Exemplary customer service, marketing, human resources, and professional development also helped UCLA Transportation win the prestigious award.
Contributing to this recognition were notable efforts in the department's three primary operational areas.
Two years ago, UCLA Transportation successfully transitioned to an exclusively virtual parking permit system. The new process improves the experience for permit holders and advances sustainability goals by eliminating waste.
Transit ridership has declined in LA County but increased at UCLA. Last year, the department launched a new transit pass program granting graduate students access to unlimited fare-free rides on the local bus and rail lines, plus one commuter line.
UCLA Transportation has also revved up the use of alternative fuel, adding zero-emission vehicles to the fleet that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from mobile sources.
And, despite an unforeseen pandemic that drastically alerted its entire operation, UCLA Transportation put its best foot forward. The department continued supporting the campus community — with flexible parking options for those still commuting to campus, as well as telecommuting resources.
IPMI’s annual awards programs celebrate organizations as well as individuals. Two UCLA Transportation staff members were also tapped for professional recognition wins. Lauren Berghell received the Professional Excellence in Marketing Award, and Chris Lechner was named Emerging Leader of the Year. Berghell heads the Integrated Marketing & Communications team, and Lechner leads the Data Analytics and Strategic Projects group.
Read more about this accomplishment in the July issue of IPMI's Parking & Mobility Magazine.
