Transportation Guidance for Community-Based Research

Background

Community-based research relies on strong, reciprocal relationships between the university and local organizations, residents, and stakeholders. These collaborations often involve individuals who may not have easy access to private transportation or familiarity with campus logistics. Without intentional support, transportation barriers can limit participation, reduce equity, and weaken the impact of research at Duke.

Transportation from Duke to the Community

Adapted from Bass Connections Ground Transportation Guidelines

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Public transportation: Whenever possible, we encourage teams to use public transportation. This is particularly true here in Durham as well as in other cities with large, reliable public transportation systems. Additional information on public transportation is below.

Driving in personal vehicles: We strongly discourage faculty, staff and students from driving other students in their own vehicles. Students and faculty are not covered by the Duke’s auto liability insurance while operating their own vehicles. Any faculty, staff or student who chooses to drive their own vehicle should be made aware that they do so at their own risk. If students are required to participate in the planned activity, students must be provided a Duke-sponsored travel option. 

Lyft Rides: For short, local trips, your team may consider pre-paying for trips through Lyft Events using the purchase card of a team leader. We recommend scheduling pick-up and drop-off locations using the designated locations established by Duke.

Car rentals: We recommend renting via Duke's preferred rental car agreement, which includes insurance and liability coverage. Other rental companies may be used as needed. When renting a car, please review Duke's Rental Vehicle Guidance. 

Undergraduate students should not drive rental cars. Graduate students are generally discouraged from driving a rental car but if they do serve as a driver, they should take note of the "student drivers" section of the Rental Vehicle Guidance.

Rental cars should not be used for international travel without first discussing and assessing the risks with your theme administrator.

Charter companies: Teams may also hire a shuttle from a charter company. We recommend using one of Duke's pre-approved vendors. If those vendors do not operate in the location of travel, please conduct due diligence on the company in advance to ensure that it is a safe and reputable provider. (Due diligence may include checking that the company’s drivers have commercial driver’s licenses and that the company’s vehicles have up-to-date insurance coverage and safety inspections. Contact your theme administrator if you have questions about vetting a particular company.)

Duke Policy Links and Resources:

• Employee use of personal vehicles
• Preferred travel agencies and car rental providers
• Rental vehicle guidance
• Vehicle insurance
• Vehicle safety policy 

Public Transportation

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• The free Duke Buses travel between Duke’s West, East, and Central campuses.
• Go Durham is the Durham city bus service.
• Go Triangle provides transportation between Chapel Hill, Durham, Hillsborough, and Raleigh.

Duke Options:

• The Robertson Scholars Express Bus travels between Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill during the academic year. Cost is $1 per ride with Duke ID.
• Duke offers the GoPass to employees, allowing unlimited rides on select local transit systems for a small yearly fee.