The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) has a rapidly increasing student population. This growth has made it important for UCCS to begin incorporating sustainable habits into regular routines. The majority of students drive personal vehicles rather than use public transportation. Public transit is often used as an alternative for necessity rather than convenience or sustainable behaviors. In other cities, utilizing public transit has been proven as an effective alternative to reduce household spending on fuel and emissions. At UCCS, there is an increasing international student demographic that do not have reliable forms of transport. Many exchange students pay for transportation (taxis, Uber, rental) or purchase a vehicle. Because of their unique situation, international students can be the bridge to altering the existing connotations associated with public transit, and presenting it as a better alternative to having a personal vehicle.

International students are often unfamiliar or intimidated by the local Colorado Springs bus transportation, Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT). By introducing a pilot program targeting forty students, this had the potential of saving $26,534 in gas money and 211,316lbs of CO₂ emissions. This was instigated by encouraging international students to utilize public transport, in place of purchasing vehicles.