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Transport

Transport has a key impact on bringing people together, an intrinsic part of university life and well-being.

UTS is fortunate in having its main campus located within easy walking distance of major public transport hubs: 10 minutes walk from Central Railway Station, major bus stops and Sydney Light Rail.

Much is still to be done to reduce the environmental, social and economic impact of transport for UTS staff and students, and even for the movement of goods. As part of the Environmental Sustainability Initiative, a Transport Working Group has been established to address this important issue and to guide the implementation of strategies to reduce these impacts.

What do we want to achieve?

The overall goal of the Transport Working Group is to ensure that UTS, as a major 'trip generator', improves its sustainability in ways that reduce the adverse environmental, social and economic impacts of transport by UTS staff, students and visitors.

How are we performing?

UTS does not currently have benchmark data regarding travel and transport for the whole campus. Obtaining benchmark data, such as audits of facilities, will form a central part of the work plan for the next 12 months. A travel survey will be carried out in 2008 that can inform programs for social change.

UTS has undertaken a review of facilities to support cycling to work and study, and the results of this review will be implemented in 2008.

UTS website has a clickable map that provides information on transport options. This will be enhanced in 2008.

What will be the benefits?

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, dependency on oil resources, and area used for parking by reducing private motor travel.
  • Increase living affordability for some, by reducing costs associated with private car use. There are significant economic benefits to society that arise from a greater use of sustainable transport options and a decreased reliance on motor vehicle use.
  • Increase active travel (walking, cycling in combination with public transport) leading to substantial health benefits, particularly for people whose work is mainly sedentary.
  • Reduce traffic noise and air pollution which also have major health benefits and improve the amenity of streets and neighbourhoods.

What are we doing?

To promote sustainable travel for UTS Staff and Students, we will:

Short term (2008)

  • produce and use, within the first year, a transport access guide with information about access by walking, cycling and public transport, at least for the Broadway campus
  • take early action in terms of enhancing cyclists' facilities.
  • invite feedback about mobility and access both to and on campus.
  • analyse existing data about travel to UTS campuses and then commence the process of campus-wide data-gathering regarding transport and travel by UTS staff, students and visitors.
  • identify appropriate targets that can be set for UTS travel in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, space utilised by cars and other appropriate criteria.
  • develop a strategy, and implement early actions, to reduce the greenhouse impact of the UTS car fleet, vehicle use and of air travel by UTS staff.
  • ensure integration with sustainable transport options are being developed by precinct neighbours for the Broadway campus, principally the Frasers Broadway development on the former Carlton United Brewery site.

Long term

  • Investigate and implement a range of activities to reduce travel and transport impact including, for example, car sharing schemes, joint arrangements in fleet management; parking and staff car policies; promotion of video conferencing; annual public transport tickets; facilities for cycling and walking, and cycling proficiency training.
  • Pursue linkages between the activities of this initiative and UTS research, Teaching and Learning and community engagement and advocacy.
  • maintain and enhance linkages in relation to sustainable transport between UTS and key stakeholders including the City of Sydney, State Government agencies, transport service providers, neighbouring businesses, community organizations and health service providers on and off-campus.
  • Pursue strategies to improve health and wellbeing through active transport.

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