Montgomery County Community College was recently recognized by the Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association (GVF) for its commitment to programs that promote commuting alternatives and alleviate congestion in the community.

The College received a Diamond level award at the 8th annual TDM Breakfast on Sept. 10. Tamala Edwards, 6abc Action News anchor, was the master of ceremonies at the event that recognized 40 organizations representing more than 160,000 employees.

Montco provides a free shuttle service to students, faculty and staff between its Central Campus in Blue Bell and West Campus in Pottstown as part of its commitment to environmentally sustainable methods. In September, the service provided 1,318 rides, a 13 percent increase from September 2017.

Those 1,318 rides resulted in 42,176 vehicle miles being prevented; 5,272 gallons of gasoline being saved; and prevention of 37 metric tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.

GVF, a non-profit regional transportation association, partners with local private and public sectors to combat challenges, such as traffic congestion and poor air quality, posed by the transportation needs of the more-than four million individuals living and working in the Philadelphia region. The partners combat these challenges through Transportation Demand Management (TDM), strategies that aim to reduce congestion and improve the environment and quality of life.

Examples of TDM include using different modes of transportation such as a bus, bike or walking. It looks at the current design of neighborhoods so that people can make choices other than driving alone. GVF and its partners, including Montgomery County Community College, believe TDM is a priority and work together to develop programs that incorporate TDM and sustainability initiatives into their work environment.

Nationally recognized TDM expert, Wendy Duren, from Arlington Transportation Partners, was the keynote speaker.