Travel and Transport

2009 QMU Travel Survey

The results of the travel survey are now available

2009 Travel Survey

The response was lower than in previous years, but this may indicate that a lot of people have found acceptable travel methods and have no particular issues or complaints. The settling in period is coming to an end and the changes have now been established as regular practice.

The amount of modal shift from single occupancy car use to more sustainable transport options, since 2008 survey is 0.7%, which is lower than the 1% to 2% aimed for. This is due, in part, to the extension of the station car park, which despite being intended for rail users only, affords “free” parking, which is used by around 8% of QMU car drivers. During peak times, this situation creates problems for legitimate rail users, and is subject to some discussion regarding enforcement by Network Rail management.

The understanding of and agreement with the aims of the Green Travel Plan is reasonably good, but many respondents feel it is not well communicated. This and many other comments from the survey will be reviewed, to ensure that best practice is adopted, and changes made as necessary.

Bus use would be more widely adopted if additional services came on line, or if the 30 could offer an express service. 49% bus users travel on the 30 route, and about 20% use the 45, which seems to have got past its initial timing problems. It is a welcome addition, but many of the students would like to see it operating throughout the day rather than just at peak times.

The frequency of trains between Musselburgh and Waverley is still very problematic for a large number of people, especially those who have to make a connection to Fife.

The lack of connecting public transport options from East Lothian generally is also mentioned.

Cyclists have increased in number, and have generally chosen to cycle for health and environmental reasons. Whilst a large proportion have not found problems with routes or facilities, these two issues continue to deter would-be cyclists and create difficulties for some that persevere. The green campus, despite great cycle storage, needs to enlarge showering and changing facilities, as they are already oversubscribed, making a further significant shift to cycling unlikely.

The carbon footprint of our commuter travel will be included in our overall carbon reduction plan, and therefore the travel survey will be further developed to capture this information.

The initial actions identified through the survey are:

• Identify ways to address disparity in the permit process between staff and students
• Raise awareness of Green Travel Plan, and its relevance to Climate Change mitigation
• Determine possible ways to improve facilities for cyclists, making better use of available space/resources etc.
• Continue to press for better, more frequent public transport options
• Monitor lighting and general condition of Newcraighall path, in liaison with ELC

Previous Travel Surveys

» Questionnaire

Prior to the move to Craighall, a travel survey was undertaken to provide information about staff and student travel intentions for the new campus. This information will also be the benchmark, against which improvements in our sustainable travel choices can be measured.

By reducing the use of cars, especially cars with only one person in them we can contribute to ongoing sustainability and help to combat climate change. The Green Travel Plan is about encouraging everyone to think about how their travel choices impact on the environment.

The response to the travel survey was excellent and the information gathered helped to inform some of the initiatives in the Green Travel Plan.

Travel Survey Results

2008 Travel Survey

In April 2008 we conducted a follow-up travel survey, to assess the impact of the Green Travel Plan and any resultant modal shift. The results were very encouraging, and despite the problems associated with the delay in occupation we are looking likely to achieve our target of 15% less single user car use.

Travel Survey 2008 results