Travel Plan 2010-2015 Executive Summary

Introduction

The University of Southampton is a world-class, research-intensive educational institution. We have a population of 22,500 students studying across six campuses, supported by 5,500 staff. There is a major focus of activity at Highfield, with three campuses (Highfield, Avenue and Boldrewood) within walking distance. Although not owned by the University, we have significant activity based at The National Oceanographic Centre, Southampton, and University Hospital Southampton, a major regional teaching hospital. We also have a campus in Winchester.

As a multi-campus University, travel demand is high and managing this is a top priority. Our Travel Plan sets out the measures we will take to realise a more sustainable approach to travel by staff, students and visitors.

The Highfield Bus Interchange, opened in July 2010

Bike Dr on the Highfield Campus Launch of new Uni -link fleet, September 2013

Action Plan 2010–2015

The Action Plan (Appendix 1 of the Travel Plan) sets out and reports on a series of objectives that contribute towards meeting our Travel Plan targets. Delivery of the Action Plan requires effective leadership, investment in physical infrastructure and positive buy-in from all those affected. Highlights include:

• Supporting Cyclists: The University provides more than 3,300 cycle spaces, half of which are within secure cycle stores. 400 new spaces have been installed during the period covered by the Travel Plan, and old storage has been replaced with ‘Sheffield’ type cycle hoops to improve security. Our Uni-Cycle project provides access to affordable bikes, safety & security equipment, and a weekly Bike Dr service.

• Developing the Uni-link network: In 2010 the University built a new bus interchange in partnership with Southampton City Council (SCC) and the bus operator, Go South Coast. This allowed us to increase the frequency of services in 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2013/14, to cater for growing passenger demand. Uni-link services connect our campuses to the city centre and both major stations in Southampton. We launched a new fleet of buses in September 2013, improving the quality of our vehicles and reducing carbon emissions. The interchange includes a stop for National Express coach services, to facilitate national coach travel.

• Implementing through-ticketing on bus services: The introduction of the ‘Key’ smartcard on Uni-link buses in June 2013 has provided access to a range of through-ticketing options on Uni-link, Bluestar and Wilts & Dorset services. We are involved in SCC’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund project to introduce a regional smart card, based on the same security standard (ITSO) as the ‘Key’.

• Improving information and communication: The University transport website (www.soton.ac.uk/transport ) is regularly updated to provide clear travel advice and integrate with other sources of transport information. We work with our student admissions and human resources departments to ensure new starters receive travel information to help inform their travel choices. We deliver presentations/workshops on sustainability and transport at staff induction events, and during Freshers Week.

• Revising parking policy: The University increased parking charges for staff in 2013/14, and works closely with resident groups and SCC to address the issue of private cars parking on-street. We are testing a flexible parking permit option in 2014 to support occasional car use alongside alternative travel options.

Objectives and Targets

The Travel Plan set out demanding but achievable targets for 2010-2015, with the overarching objective of reducing single-person car occupancy. We have generated momentum through the implementation of our Travel Plan objectives, and the results from the 2013 staff and student travel surveys indicate we have met or exceeded our 2015 targets.

We have recorded a 10.7% decrease in single occupancy car commuting by staff (surpassing our 2015 target by 2.2%), with increases in walking, cycling, bus and rail travel. Car use amongst undergraduate students has continued to reduce and is now at a level (below 5%) where only those with a disability or other specific requirement for a car drive to our campuses.

Conclusion

Delivery of the 2010-2015 Travel Plan has encouraged a step-change in the travel habits of our staff, students and visitors to meet the business and sustainability objectives of the University. We recognise that these improvements only take place through working closely in partnership with other key stakeholders.

The nature of transport means that most timescales are medium to long term, with some delivered objectives becoming on-going considerations that continue to develop over time (identified in the Action Plan). Our Travel Plan is a ‘living’ document, subject to close monitoring, amendment and development as the University of Southampton continues to evolve.

The results of our 2013 travel surveys provide an encouraging indication of the progress we have made, with notable increases in cycling, bus and train use. We have now exceeded our 2015 targets for reducing single occupancy car use, and are in the process of setting new targets to be delivered during the next phase of our Travel Plan, covering 2015-2020.