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BEND, Ore. (AP) — Oregon State University is considering rewards for students who don't drive to the Cascades campus in Bend, opening fall 2016.

The campus's transportation plan calls for a fifth of its students to arrive by vehicle. Limited parking spots are being considered to reduce drivers, as well as incentives like tuition remission or credit toward a giveaway, the Bulletin reported (http://bit.ly/1F9SVol).

Residents formed Truth in Site and waged unsuccessful legal challenges that delayed the project for a year. Member Tracy Pfiffner says she hopes the university can meet its goals.

Associate vice president of finance and strategic planning Kelly Sparks says the school is looking at both incentives and consequences, like variable parking prices depending on how often a student drives.

"One thing we're looking at is that for every day you don't arrive in a car," Sparks said. "We're looking at both carrots and sticks."

Cascades East Transit is adding bus routes as well with the support of $300,000 from the university over the next three years. The student government recently authorized spending some fees on bus passes.

"That decision shows the students are behind this choice," Sparks said. "We wanted to do this before the new campus is open, to help students get over that first hurdle, if they haven't ridden the bus before. It can be intimidating for folks, that first time, especially when you feel you don't know how long it will take to get where you're going."

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Information from: The Bulletin, http://www.bendbulletin.com

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