STAFF & STUDENT TRAVEL SURVEY Summary of Findings

Transcription

1 STAFF & STUDENT TRAVEL SURVEY 2015 Estates Directorate Summary of Findings

2 02 Welcome 03 Contents Welcome from the Travel Plan Coordinator Welcome from the Travel Plan Coordinator Survey Delivery & Response Rates Staff Travel Survey Student Travel Survey Sustainable Travel Initiatives What Happens Next Contact Us At Queen s University Belfast we continue to face the challenge of balancing the travel requirements of staff, students and visitors, with minimising the impact of these trips on our local environment and managing demands for car parking. This commitment is borne out in our Travel Plan Strategy, which provides a formal framework for the delivery of measures to encourage and facilitate active and sustainable travel modes amongst all those travelling to the University. In 2010 we prepared our second five-year Travel Plan, which aimed to build on the successes of the first Plan while expanding the range of sustainable travel options to all those travelling to the University. To provide a focus for the strategy, we set targets for reducing the level of single-occupancy car travel amongst staff and students to the University. We are pleased to report that these targets were achieved. A key element of the Travel Plan Strategy is a biennial monitoring exercise, which seeks to identify the progress made towards these targets. This process enables us to gain valuable feedback from our staff and students on their current travel patterns, and the reasons for these, and to identify how we might best facilitate a shift towards more sustainable modes for journeys where there are realistic alternatives to driving alone. The key monitoring mechanism we use is our staff and student travel surveys, which are undertaken online in alternate years. The latest survey, undertaken in February 2015, revealed some interesting findings; this document provides a summary, which we hope you will find informative. Travel Plan Coordinator

3 SURVEY DELIVERY & RESPONSE RATES Estates Directorate Promoting Sustainable Travel Choices

4 06 Methodology The 2015 questionnaire was concerned with both student and staff travel patterns and was delivered (as previously) as an online questionnaire; we set up a bespoke web page, which was promoted to staff and students, using a variety of media, as follows: Methodology Promotional Activities A message about the survey was placed in the all-staff communications round-up on each Monday during the surveys; Several tweets, including a link to the survey, were sent out throughout the two week duration of the survey; A link to the survey was placed on all student open access computers across the University throughout survey period; A link to the survey was included on Queen s Online; IT tablets were used - staff visited student breakout areas across the University and asked them to complete the survey over six lunchtimes; An all student message was sent to the inbox of every student on Tuesday 24 February; and An all staff message was sent to the inbox of every member of staff on Wednesday 25 February. 07

5 08 Staff & Student Incentives Staff & Student Incentives The survey ran from 16th - 27th February 2015; a range of incentives were offered to encourage staff and students to complete the questionnaires, including: For Staff 36% The proportion of staff that responded to the travel survey. 1,310 staff members (out of 3,600 employed at the University) completed the survey. A 200 voucher from McConvey Cycles; A pair of Enterprise First Plus return rail tickets between Belfast and Dublin; and 5 pre-loaded ilink tickets that provided travel throughout Northern Ireland. For Students HP 8 Tablet; 50 voucher from Chain Reaction Cycles; and Four concert tickets courtesy of the Students Union. 19% The proportion of students that completed the survey. 3,477 responses were received from a possible 18,339 FTE students. Responses from both staff and students has increased since the 2013 and 2010 surveys. 09

6 STAFF TRAVEL SURVEY Estates Directorate Promoting Sustainable Travel Choices The 2015 staff travel survey sought to gain an understanding of the travel habits of our staff, including their current mode choice and reasons for this. It also aimed to gather information on what initiatives might most encourage staff to consider active and sustainable travel modes in order that we can reflect this in our Travel Plan Strategy.

7 12 Staff Travel Survey Results Sustainable Travel Travel Choice Overview Staff Travel Survey Results The travel surveys offer us the opportunity to get feedback from our staff on their current commute and what might be done to make this easier or more cost effective. They also give us a means of identifying the most appropriate package of measures to be implemented through our Travel Plan Strategy, taking into account practicalities of implementation and budgetary constraints. With this in mind, the staff questionnaire focussed on capturing information about respondents typical commuting practices as well as off-campus travel throughout the working day. A summary of the key findings is presented hereafter. We asked you to identify how you usually travel to work at the University - this is potentially the most important element of the survey process as it feeds into setting of our Travel Plan targets and monitoring progress against these over time. Table 1 illustrates the current mode share of respondents. Table 1 - Current (2015) Staff Mode Share Mode The percentage of staff that travel to work by car alone has reduced from 42% in 2010 to 34% in Public Transport Graph 1 - Current (2015) mode share of staff in the context of previous surveys undertaken in 2013 and % % % % 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Car Share Bus Bicycle Motorcycle Taxi 5.8% Public transport has seen the biggest increase amongst staff - nearly 5.8% between 2010 and % - Car (Alone) The percentage of staff trips by modes other than the car alone has increased from 58% in 2010 to 66% in % % 33.7% 12.9% 13.6% 7.8% 0.5% 0.4% 15.6% 15.5% 100% % Car Alone No Car (Alone) Car Share Bus Bicycle Motorcycle Taxi Train Walk Total 13 Train Walk

8 14 What determines how staff travel? Travel choice tells us only part of the story - we recognise that there are a whole host of factors that will play a role in the decision you make regarding your commute to Queen s University Belfast. A key factor in the travel choices available to you is home location. If you live within a short distance of work, there will clearly be greater opportunities for travel by sustainable modes. As part of the survey analysis, we used GIS mapping in order to understand the geographical spread of staff and the thus the transport opportunities available to them. A high proportion of staff live within Belfast and the surrounding area, however, there are also those that live a significant distance from Queen s University Belfast and have more limited options available to them. Indeed, the most popular reasons for mode choice amongst car drivers were flexibility, followed by length of journey and no practical alternative. Staff Travel Survey Results Key Points on Staff Travel The survey results revealed some other interesting points on staff respondents and their travel habits; these are summarised below: 60% 51% 60% of you that responded were female; 86% work full-time, with the remaining 14% being part-time. % All modes of sustainable travel have seen an increase since 2010 amongst staff commuting to work - walking by 0.4%, cycling by 0.7%, public transport by 5.8% and car sharing by 1.2%. Amongst public transport users, 51% suggested they would be interested in taking up an interest-free loan (since the surveys were carried out the University has launched the Travel+ initiative for staff). For cyclists, the most popular incentives to cycle were improving / providing more secure and sheltered cycle parking facilities and improving bicycle security on campus. 18% 6% Amongst current car drivers, 18% suggested they would be willing to car share, with a further 38% stating they would consider it. Motorcyclists also wished to see measures to improve security, as did pedestrians (who rated personal alarms as the most popular measure to encourage walking to work). 15

9 STUDENT TRAVEL SURVEY Estates Directorate Promoting Sustainable Travel Choices The 2015 student travel survey captured information on the travel patterns of our students, enabling us to determine current mode share of student trips to Queen s University Belfast and ways in which we might enhance the accessibility of the University for current and future students, with a view to maximising the use of sustainable travel modes amongst students.

10 18 Student Travel Survey Results Sustainable Travel Travel Choice Overview Student Travel Survey Results We are continually striving to find ways to improve the ease with which our students can access their place of study, whether they live within Belfast or further afield. We also recognise that those living in the city, either at Elms Village or elsewhere, will have travel requirements beyond their daily commute and there is a need to encourage these journeys to be made by sustainable travel options if we are to really make a difference. Those that live outside Belfast will clearly have more limited travel options available to them and thus our marketing activities need to be targeted accordingly. The travel survey offers a way for us to gain feedback on current travel habits, the reasons for these and measures that might be implemented to encourage students that might otherwise have travelled by car to take up walking, cycling or public transport. We asked you to identify how you usually travel to the University - we use this information to set targets for a reduction in single occupancy car use and chart progress towards them over time. Table 2 illustrates the current mode share of respondents. Table 2 - Current (2015) Student Mode Share Mode No Car (Alone) Car Share Bus Bicycle Motorcycle Taxi Train Walk Total % 16.4% 6.6% 12.5% 2.7% 0.0% 0.4% 11.8% 49.6% 100% 60% The percentage of students that travel to the University by car alone has reduced from 21% in 2010 to 16% in % 20% 10% 0% Car Share Bus Bicycle Motorcycle Taxi Walking 8% Walking has seen the biggest increase amongst students on their commute to Queen s University Belfast - by nearly 8% between 2010 and % - The percentage of student trips by modes other than the car alone has increased from 79% in 2010 to 84% in % % 84% Car Alone Graph 2 - Current (2015) mode share of Students in the context of previous surveys undertaken in 2013 and Car (Alone) 19 Train Walk

11 20 What determines how students travel? Student Travel Survey Results Key Points on Student Travel As with staff, we recognise that there are a whole host of factors that will play a role in the decision you make regarding your commute to Queen s University Belfast, as well as trips you make around the city during the course of your time here. The survey results revealed some other interesting points on student respondents and their travel habits; these are summarised below: By far the biggest determinant of mode choice for students, however, is home location. Walking and train travel have seen an increase since 2010 amongst students commuting to study - walking by 7.9% and train travel by 0.9%; As part of the survey analysis, we used GIS mapping in order to understand the geographical spread of students and thus the transport opportunities available to them - a large number of our students travel significant distances on a daily basis. For those that live with parents, the propensity to own (and use) a car is approximately four times higher than for those living in student accommodation. Those that live in student accommodation typically walk to University (86%). Amongst those living elsewhere in Belfast there remains a high proportion of trips made on foot (77%), however, single occupancy car use increases to 8%, compared with 1% for those in student accommodation; Amongst those living in student accommodation (Elms Village), the proportion of trips made by car alone is just 1%. Tellingly, those that live with their parents are much more likely to travel by car (28% as single occupants and 11% as sharers), whilst train and bus also become much more popular amongst this group (29% and 28% of respondents respectively); 58% of respondents were female. 75% were Undergraduates, with the remainder being Postgraduate or Masters students; At the start of the academic year, 41% of respondents arrived at Queen s University Belfast by car (20% by car alone), whilst 21% arrive by public transport; 14% of respondents live in student accommodation, 30% live at home with parents, whilst 47% live elsewhere in Belfast; 21

12 22 Key Points on Student Travel Cont. Amongst current car drivers, 37% suggested they would be willing to car share, whilst a further 33% suggested they might consider it; Amongst public transport users, the initiatives they would most like to see are cheaper standard fares, more seats at peak times and bigger discounts on annual tickets ; Student Travel Survey Results % Walking and train travel have seen an increase since 2010 amongst students commuting to study - walking by 7.9% and train travel by 0.9%. For cyclists, the most popular incentives to cycle were improving / providing more secure and sheltered cycle parking facilities, enabling students to purchase low cost bikes and accessories and improving bicycle security on campus. For cyclists, the most popular incentives to cycle were improving / providing more secure and sheltered cycle parking facilities, enabling students to purchase low cost bikes and accessories and improving bicycle security on campus ; Pedestrians suggested that providing students with free personal alarms, improving pedestrian security on campus and offering tailored walking route information / maps were the things they would most like to see. Tellingly, those that live with their parents are much more likely to travel by car (28% as single occupants and 11% as sharers), whilst train and bus also become much more popular amongst this group (29% and 28% of respondents respectively). 37% Amongst current car drivers, 37% suggested they would be willing to car share, whilst a further 33% suggested they might consider it. Pedestrians suggested that providing students with free personal alarms, improving pedestrian security on campus and offering tailored walking route information / maps were the things they would most like to see. 23

13 24 Sustainable Travel Initiatives Why not take advantage of some of the great initiatives we have in place for our staff and students. Whether you already walk, cycle, use public transport or car share or are considering giving it a try, we have a whole range of measures in place to assist you. So, why not take a look and see whether you could make your journey to Queen s University Belfast more cost effective, convenient or environmentally friendly. For more information on any of the initiatives visit: or transport@qub.ac.uk Sustainable Travel Initiatives Staff Initiatives Staff Initiatives Cycle+ Bike Purchase Travel to Work Loan Scheme With the Cycle+ scheme, staff can save up to 42% on the cost of buying a new bike (and equipment), up to the value of 1,000. Choose a bike that suits your needs and pay it back direct from your salary over 12 months. To find out more visit: Staff can take advantage of an interest free loan of up to 2,000 per annum to purchase an annual train ticket. The cost of the ticket is then deducted from your monthly salary over a 10-month period. To find out more visit: Travel+ Ticket Purchase We recently launched the Travel+ salary sacrifice scheme, meaning you can make great savings on bus travel costs as you won t pay tax and National Insurance on your annual ticket. What s more the cost of your ticket is spread over 12 monthly instalments, which are taken directly from your salary each month. For more information or to receive a quote from Translink or Rooney Coaches visit: Teleconferencing / Videoconferencing We offer staff the opportunity to use teleconferencing and videoconferencing to avoid the need to travel for business. If you are unsure how to use the systems, or want to know the location or availability of the facilities, contact: avs@qub.ac.uk 25

14 26 What Happens Next Staff & Student Initiatives Cycling & Walking Facilities Car Share Scheme Did you know we have over 600 cycle parking spaces on campus? We also provide shower and locker facilities for those walking or cycling to University. To gain access to these you will need to complete a registration form to receive a unique pin code. Halve your costs on your trip to Queen s University Belfast by joining the University car share scheme. If you currently drive to University, have you considered that there could be someone else making a similar trip that you could share your journey with? By registering with the car share scheme ( you can search for potential journey matches, then decide whether to share. Cycle Pump Hire Arrived at work with a soft or flat tyre? Cycle pumps are now available for temporary use from Security Control Room (Level 1, Admin Building). Public Transport Ticket Purchase Points Purchasing your public transport tickets couldn t be easier - we now have dedicated ticket purchase points in the Students Union and at Elms Village. Electric Vehicle Charging In June 2015 we will be launching our electric vehicle charging points at Queen s University, Belfast. These will be located within the Main site, Fitzwilliam Street and Riddel Hall car parks. This document provides a summary of a more detailed technical report on survey findings, which forms the first step in the development of our forthcoming Travel Plan Strategy, which we aim to launch at the start of the 2015 / 16 academic year. The strategy includes a Continual Improvement Plan (CIP), which we will review progress against on an annual basis throughout the strategy period. We will continue to undertake staff and student travel surveys on a biennial basis in order to monitor the impact of our travel planning activities - we would encourage you to take part to ensure your views are reflected in our ongoing work in this area. 27

15 Estates Directorate Queen s University Belfast Belfast BT7 1NN Northern Ireland Tel Fax estates@qub.ac.uk