Purpose
To establish guidelines and procedures for 51 (51) ground transportation.
Scope
Applies to all ground transportation on and off campus utilized by all units within the College.
Policy
51 has established this policy to provide innovative ground transportation solutions that serve and support the College and establish operational procedures and guidelines governing transportation for college-related activities. 51 encourages students, faculty, and staff to travel to, from, and within the campus by some form of alternative transportation, to reduce traffic congestion, limit the need for automobile parking, and preserve the environment.
The policy covers:
- 51 fleet vehicle maintenance
- Campus parking
- Motorcycles on campus
- Alternative transportation, including bicycles on campus
- Personal conveyance vehicles and bus/shuttle service
Guidelines
College-Owned or Long-term Leased Fleet Vehicles
Inform the Business Office of any changes to the 51 fleet managed by the department and file appropriate forms as required for:
- Purchase of vehicle or augmentation of the 51 fleet
- Interdepartmental 51 fleet vehicle transfer
- Vehicle donated to 51
- Removal of vehicle from the 51 fleet
To ensure appropriate insurance coverage is obtained for 51 fleet vehicles, it is essential that Risk Management is provided all current vehicle information by the department to which the vehicle is assigned.
All 51 faculty and staff are responsible for ensuring they are in compliance with the 51 Fleet Vehicle and Rental Vehicle Use Program for 51 owned or leased fleet vehicles and rental vehicles rented in the name of 51 utilizing the current “State” contract. Each department is responsible for all costs associated with the maintenance, operation, and repair of vehicles assigned to them, including the cost of fuel. The department is also responsible for Emissions Testing and any other “Annual” inspections required for registration of the vehicle or trailer. Authorized Drivers must be trained and qualified prior to operating vehicles or equipment.
Short-term Rental Vehicle
If departments find it necessary to rent vehicles on a short-term basis from a rental agency, the vehicle should be rented in the name of 51 utilizing the current “State” contract. Authorization to drive a rental vehicle utilizing the current “State” contract is restricted to faculty and staff conducting official business of the College.
Personal Vehicles Used for 51 Business
When a 51 employee is using his/her personal vehicle for official 51 business, the employee's personal auto insurance provides primary coverage. 51's auto insurance provides excess coverage only for liability. Physical damage to an employee's personal vehicle that occurs while the vehicle is being used for 51 business is not covered by 51’s auto insurance.
Vehicle Operation Safety
All 51 owned or leased Fleet vehicles and rental vehicles rented in the name of 51 utilizing the current “State” contract must be operated in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws and the 51 Fleet Vehicle and Rental Vehicle Use Program. Failure to comply with any federal, state, and local laws or the 51 Fleet Vehicle and Rental Vehicle Use Program will be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Speed Limits
No person, while operating a vehicle on the campuses of 51, will operate said vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the current conditions, taking into account any actual and potential hazards. Consistent with the foregoing, every person will drive at a safe and appropriate speed when special hazards exist with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or roadway conditions.
The speed limit on the campuses of 51 as hereinafter authorized will be a maximum of fifteen (15) miles per hour unless otherwise posted. No person will drive a vehicle at a speed in excess of the maximum limit. Failure to comply with maximum and safe limits will result in a citation by law enforcement personnel or revocation of campus driving privileges.
Background/Driving Records Check
All 51 employees assigned duties that require operation of 51 Fleet vehicles or rental vehicles utilizing the current “State” contract are required to submit to a background and driving record check to ensure that drivers are in compliance with the Authorized Driver Requirement and Guidelines defined herein. Negative findings on background and driving record checks, which affect an employee’s ability to perform his/her defined duties, will be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Vehicle Accident Procedures
The following accident procedure information should be placed in the glove compartment of all 51 owned or leased Fleet vehicles. Contact Risk Management for a copy of the accident procedures.
- Call 911 to request emergency services to address injuries.
- Obtain a police report from the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- Stay calm; do not argue with others involved in the accident.
- Make sure the area is safe prior to assisting those injured.
- Do not discuss the accident with anyone except the police.
- Do not admit responsibility for the accident.
- Do not disclose policy limits.
- Report the accident to Risk Management within 24 hours of the occurrence or as soon a practical.
Authorized Driver Requirements and Guidelines
The following criteria will be used to determine an employee’s eligibility to operate a vehicle for the purpose of conducting 51 business:
- Must be at least 18 years of age to operate 51 owned or leased fleet vehicles.
- Must be at least 25 years of age to operate rental vehicles rented in the name of 51 utilizing the current “State” contract.
- Must have an appropriate and valid driver’s license for the vehicle to be operated. Eligibility will be refused or revoked for individuals if their driver’s license is suspended or revoked.
- Must have reasonable experience driving the type of vehicle being used.
- Must demonstrate the ability to operate the vehicle in a safe and prudent manner and in compliance with federal, state, and local laws and the 51 Fleet Vehicle & Rental Vehicle Use Program.
- Driving record must be clear of serious driving offenses, which include but are not limited to:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Hit and run.
- Evading the police.
- Reckless or inattentive driving.
- Texting while driving.
- Negligent homicide arising out of the use of a motor vehicle.
- Operating a vehicle during a period of license suspension or revocation.
- Using a motor vehicle without the owner’s authority (grand theft).
- Speed citations, three (3) or more in a 30-day period.
No person, other than an "Authorized Driver," may operate any 51 Fleet vehicle or rental vehicle rented in the name of 51 utilizing the current “State” contract.
Authorization to drive a 51 Fleet vehicle or rental vehicle rented in the name of 51 utilizing the current “State” contract is restricted to faculty and staff conducting official business for the College. Use is limited to accomplishing academic, research, and/or administrative responsibilities.
There are two categories of Authorized Driver(s):
- Job-Related: Those persons required to operate a vehicle or piece of equipment in performing their day-to-day jobs, as designated by job description. (Note: Loss of authorized driver status may affect employment.)
- Program/Function Support: Those persons who operate a vehicle in support of a department, organization, or club's function, program, or event. (Note: Loss of authorized driver status may affect support to the organization.)
Compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and the 51 Fleet Vehicle and Rental Vehicle Use Program is required for any driver to be authorized to use a 51 Fleet vehicle or rental vehicle rented in the name of 51 utilizing the current “State” contract.
Bus/Shuttle Service
51, in partnership with Valley Regional Transit (VRT), offers complimentary transportation for employees and students with a valid 51 identification card and sticker on any fixed routes serviced by VRT. In addition, VRT provides shuttle service for 51 Nampa locations. The interconnecting shuttle connects 51 Nampa Campus buildings including the Academic Building (NCAB), Aspen Classroom Building (NASP), Administration Building (NADM), Multipurpose Building (NCMP), Micron Education Center (NMEC), and the Canyon County Center (CYNC).