October 25, 2024
University of Oregon Transportation Services proudly announces the establishment of a new UO-owned and operated motor pool at the Glenwood site, marking a significant milestone in the university’s commitment to meet the transportation needs of the UO community. This development follows UO Transportation Services’ initial takeover of Glenwood motor pool operations on July 1, 2024, where services were temporarily sustained with leased vehicles from Oregon State University and supported by UO staff.
After extensive consideration, UO has decided to fully transition to an internally managed motor pool. The university’s decision, shaped by a series of consultations with an internal Task Force, engagement with third-party vendors, and ongoing dialogue with OSU, reflects a commitment to quality and long-term sustainability. This new motor pool model will provide the university with greater control to make timely, thoughtful service adjustments tailored to our needs.
The establishment of this motor pool at the Glenwood site will involve a significant capital investment, with funding contributions from central university resources and Transportation Services. While the rate structure will be revised to reflect the operational costs and capital investment required, it will be established to keep costs as low as possible for UO departments and student groups. Rates will increase over historical OSU motor pool rates, but will closely align with those of the State of Oregon motor pool.
As UO Transportation Services works with Financial and Administrative Shared Services (FASS) and Purchasing and Contracting Services (PCS) to procure a new fleet, community members can expect vehicle upgrades and site improvements at Glenwood, aiming to enhance reliability and service quality.
Goals | Process | Timeline | Background | FAQ | Stakeholder Survey | Task Force
Goals
- Identify priorities for vehicle rental services at the UO.
- Assess utilization history and ongoing needs to determine services for the future.
- Recommend a solution that best meets the needs of the UO community while exercising fiscal and administrative responsibility.
Process
The evaluation and recommendation process will be completed by:
- Initiating a procurement process to identify third-party service providers as well as investigating a self-administered option.
- Charging a task force to evaluate data, stakeholder and UO community feedback, and service options in order to recommend viable solutions for the future.
- Gathering and assessing feedback from UO community members, frequent users, and other key stakeholders.
Timeline
February 2024
- Initiate proposal process with Purchasing and Contracting Services.
- Convene task force and begin regular meetings.
- Launch survey to obtain as much feedback as possible from the UO community.
March 2024
- Close survey.
April 2024
- Survey responses compiled and analyzed.
- Task force evaluates feedback, assesses, and prioritizes needs.
May 2024
- Close proposal process.
- Task force reviews proposals.
June 2024
- Initiate a temporary transition plan to maintain service when the contract with OSU ends on June 30, 2024.
July 2024
- Task force determines best course of action to meet top priorities and continue services with consideration for fiscal responsibility.
August 2024
- Task force presents findings and delivers a recommendation to the Office of the Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration.
September - December 2024
- Final decision made by VPFA in collaboration with Transportation Services based on the findings and recommendation of the task force.
- Begin implementation planning for UO owned and operated motor pool.
- Begin purchasing vehicles
Spring - Summer 2025
- Vehicles delivered to UO Motor Pool.
- UO Motor Pool operations begin.
Background
- The system for providing vehicles to UO community members originated when the UO was part of the Oregon University System utilizing the State's Motor Pool system.
- When the State of Oregon discontinued this service to Oregon’s public universities in 2009, Oregon State University assumed oversight and management of vehicle rental services at the UO.
- It is no longer feasible for OSU to administer vehicle services for other universities, which led to the UO initiating an exploratory process to identify viable options and implement a new plan to continue this important service.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ Updated 2-20-2024
- Who owns and operates the existing university motor pool in Glenwood and who is being affected by upcoming changes?
- What existing services does the Glenwood motor pool offer and what is changing?
- When will changes occur?
- Where will changes occur?
- Why is the existing OSU Glenwood motor pool leaving?
- How will UO offer vehicle rentals in lieu of the OSU motor pool and how can I provide input and learn more information?
Who owns and operates the existing university motor pool in Glenwood and who is being affected by upcoming changes?
Oregon State University (OSU) has been the owner and operator of the university motor pool in Glenwood, including its vehicles, since 2009. The University of Oregon (UO) owns and leases the Glenwood property to OSU for motor pool operations. Any UO department, employee, or student who rents motor pool vehicles will be affected.
What existing services does the Glenwood motor pool offer and what is changing?
The university motor pool in Glenwood currently offers rental vans, trucks, and sedans to individuals authorized to travel on official university or other government business. The motor pool offers both short and long duration rentals. OSU was also providing motor pool services to other public agencies through the Glenwood site, such as Lane Community College and local State of Oregon offices. Those services to other public agencies will also be affected by upcoming changes.
When will changes occur?
The current agreement between UO and OSU expired on June 30, 2024. However, both parties have agreed to a sixth month contract amendment to provide UO the additional option of continuing to rent OSU motor pool vehicles at the Glenwood site through December 31st, 2024.
Where will changes occur?
The existing university motor pool serving UO is located in Glenwood, just east of the I-5 bridge and campus.
Why is the existing OSU Glenwood motor pool leaving?
OSU is choosing to sunset its operations in Glenwood and focus its resources back in Corvallis, where its main operations are located.
How will UO offer vehicle rentals in lieu of the OSU motor pool and how can I provide input and learn more information?
University of Oregon administration is working with Transportation Services and other campus partners to consider all possible options to provide vehicle rental services for employee and student use. Options under consideration include: 1) outsourcing vehicle rental services to a third-party vehicle rental company, 2) vehicle purchase and management within UO, and 3) a hybrid combination of these two options. Campus Services leadership is convening a multi-disciplinary task force to provide input and ideas as different options are explored, with a goal to recommend a motor pool model that meets campus needs with minimal disruption. Campus stakeholder feedback is welcome during this time. You may email transportation@uoregon.edu and request that your name be added to an interested-party list for recurring project updates.