The University of Essex (UoE) has been making determined strides toward improving sustainable transport on its campuses. With thousands of staff and students travelling to and from its three campuses, the university recognised the need to promote active and sustainable travel options for everyday journeys. Under the guidance of Caralyn Elmer, Travel and Transport Officer, and with the support of the Sustainability and Estates and Facilities teams, the university is embedding sustainable travel across campus life.
The Challenge
Following a recent departmental restructure, transport planning responsibilities shifted within the organisation. Despite this, the university remained committed to promoting initiatives such as car sharing, walking, cycling, and improving public transport links for the university community. The challenge was ensuring visibility, participation, and consistent progress, while navigating broader budgetary constraints and infrastructure limitations.
Why Modeshift?
Encouraged by Colchester Travel Plan Club and advocate Mike Polom, the university joined the Modeshift STARS for Business programme around a year ago. This gave Caralyn and the team a simple yet structured platform to review their current Travel Plan, identify gaps, and set practical targets for improvement. Modeshift STARS offered both credibility and clarity, enabling the university to track progress and celebrate achievements.
Caralyn said: ‘Modeshift is a useful tool that helps me achieve the university’s transport goals – a simple and effective guide.’
Initiatives and Engagement
The university has rolled out a wide range of initiatives aimed at both staff and students:
- Car Sharing Flexibility: Some staff frequently car share with colleagues and friends. They feedback they would like to see more options available to do so more freely within the UoE community. Concerns they raised were around cyber security and safety for both travellers. Where commitments make sharing difficult on certain dates they will often opt for public transport.
- Public Transport Collaboration: Strong relationships with local operators have led to discounted fares and new student-friendly ticket options. The current capped fares have helped boost uptake.
- E-mobility Options: e-scooters and e-cycles are available to hire, with a charging station and access on the north side of campus. These services aren’t yet available on the south side due to limited infrastructure, but improvements are being planned.
- On-Campus Activities: Weekly Dr Bike cycle maintenance sessions, walking groups, and active travel challenges such as Ride and Stride, Pedal for Your Medal and Get On Your Feet Britain help raise visibility.
- Facilities: Showers, cycle lockers, repair stations, and free cycle servicing have encouraged more cycling.
- Awareness and Community Engagement: Efforts are made to engage the local community, with initiatives like the ‘Walk with Words’ trail connecting the university with nearby developments.
The Results
In 2024, the university conducted its latest travel survey, which highlighted key modal shifts:
Staff:
- 54% drive alone, a 13% increase from the previous year
- Car sharing up 1%
- Cycling down 10%, indicating areas for re-engagement
- Most popular alternative to driving: car sharing (41%)
- Strong interest in better buses, cycling facilities, and promotional efforts
Students:
- 16% drive alone, an 8% increase
- Cycling and train use up slightly
- Walking dropped 8%
- Students want more promotion of discounts, cycle hire, and more affordable transport options
Both groups expressed a desire for better bus services, safer cycling infrastructure, and an app or platform to help match with car share partners.
Looking Ahead
An Active Travel Action Group, including members from across departments, continues to meet regularly. More visibility is a key goal for 2025, with plans for a major promotional event that brings together all aspects of sustainable travel on campus.
By achieving a ‘Good’ STARS for Business Accreditation, the University of Essex has affirmed its commitment to active and sustainable travel. While challenges remain, the passion of the team and the strength of community support are clear drivers for continued progress.
Caralyn summarised: ‘We’re building a culture where transport choices support well-being, affordability, and sustainability — not just for our university, but for the wider community.’
