Call Us At: 515-294-1882
August 2021
Transportation Services Newsletter
Director's Dashboard
Happy Fall Semester!
On behalf of the Transportation Services staff and myself, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Fall. It is so wonderful seeing students and staff back on campus and eager for the new school year. There is nothing better than being on campus, seeing people smiling, and hearing the ISU Marching Band practicing.

If you need to drive for official university business, Transportation Services is your one stop shop. Our vehicles are available 24/7/365 in a variety of sizes and rental plans to fit your department's needs. If you are new to driving for the university, visit "Getting started" on our website for step by step instructions on using our services.

As always, if there is anything our team can do to help make your Transportation Services needs better, please contact me at kwellik@iastate.edu or 515-294-1657.
Kathy Wellik, Director
ISU Transportation Services
kwellik@iastate.edu
515-294-1657
Hybrid cars use less fuel and
brake wear than a standard
engine vehicle.
Technician Tip
Hybrid Cars

Iowa State University's electric cars were the focus last month, but did you know ISU has hybrid vehicles in the daily fleet as well? Transportation Services has four hybrid cars available for rent for business purposes, and ISU DPS has four hybrid patrol SUVs.

Hybrid vehicles combine an electric motor with a gasoline engine to move down the road, then it captures energy through regenerative braking. The result is better fuel economy than a standard internal combustion engine vehicle. To reserve a hybrid car, simply select 'midsize hybrid' in our online reservation system.

Shift-On-The-Fly for Safety
CONSTRUCTION ZONES

Spring to fall is the busiest time for road construction. Each year the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has up to 500 road construction projects around iowa. The Iowa DOT provides these safety tips for navigating work zones:

  • Stay alert: Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
  • Pay close attention: Signs and work zone employees with flags save lives.
  • Turn on your headlights: Workers and other motorists must see you.
  • Don't tailgate.
  • Don't speed: Note the posted speed limits in and around the work zone.
  • Keep up with the traffic flow.
To learn if your route is affected by construction, visit 511ia.org
before traveling.
  • Don't change lanes in a work zone.
  • Minimize distractions: Avoid changing radio stations and using mobile phones while driving through a work zone.
  • Expect the unexpected: Keep an eye out for workers and their equipment.
  • Be patient: Remember that work zone crew members are working to improve your future ride.
Catalytic Converter Thefts Skyrocket
From July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, claims filed for catalytic converter theft grew close to 293% nationwide reaching 18,000 instances as compared to the 12 months prior, which amounted to an estimated 4,500 instances, according to new claims data from State Farm Insurance.

In terms of payouts, the total paid to customers during the most recent 12-month period was a whopping $33.7 million, while during the previous 12-month period it was slightly below $9 million.
Catalytic converters filter pollutants from vehicle exhaust.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
Are you located in the Research Park? Contact our office to learn how using the ISU Research Park Fleet can make renting a University vehicle easy and convenient.

The ISU Research Park fleet has temporarily relocated to:
Building 2, Suite 2105
2625 North Loop Drive
You asked... We listened!
ISUCard RFID readers have been added to the kiosk making logging in easier than ever. To register to use the RFID reader, complete the registration form on our website:
Win a New Car wireless mouse!
Answer the below question and your name will be put in a drawing for one of three wireless mice.

Entries must be completed by
September 10th, 2021 to be eligible for the prize drawing.
The Iowa State Highway Commission was originally established at Iowa State College. Led by Dean Anson Marston and his belief that highway engineering should be centralized, the Commission eventually grows into the Iowa Department of Transportation.
What year was the Iowa State Highway Commission founded?
1923
1904
1918
1899
Congratulations to the winners of the July Trivia.
  • Jessica Boertje
  • Pat Oswald
  • Jackie Peterson
Last month's trivia answer
"When was the first electric car built?"

The correct answer is 1830's.

Transportation Services
919 Haber Rd
Ames, IA 50011
515-294-1882
Your photo could be here! Send a photo of your University car to transdispatch@iastate.edu and it could be featured in a future newsletter.