FOREWORD 13 ACHIEVEMENTS, TARGETS AND PLANNED ACTIVITY CONTENTS

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2 CONTENTS 2 FOREWORD 3 TRAVEL SERVICES AT A GLANCE 5 TRAVEL TO AND FROM UEA 9 WHAT IS A TRAVEL PLAN? 10 TRAVEL SURVEY AND RESULTS 13 ACHIEVEMENTS, TARGETS AND PLANNED ACTIVITY FOREWORD DAWN DEWAR, TRANSPORT COORDINATOR The University of East Anglia (UEA) takes sustainable travel seriously. We have had a formal Travel Plan in place for 14 years, and have long been a leader in the world of UK Higher Education transport planning. Over the years our Travel Plan has changed and adapted to meet the challenges posed by the University s significant growth. This has ensured that it continues to reflect UEA s structure, organisation, staff and student profiles, and Estate. Our Travel Plan pulls together transport options to promote more sustainable travel choices, to reduce reliance on cars and single occupancy car travel and to minimise adverse environmental impact. It confirms the University s continued commitment to further investments that support alternatives to single-person car journeys to the site. Our Environmental Policy and targets all direct us to reduce negative impacts wherever possible, and with a community of over 17,500 staff and students this is hugely relevant to the UEA and wider Norwich community. Our Transport Team both supports this investment and promotes positive personal choices wherever possible. Several challenges are clear in order to continue sustainable development of our University campus. Supporting green travel initiatives is one way to reduce the impact of an expanding, leading UK university while also stepping up to the low carbon challenge. Welcome to this guide to getting to our campus. We hope that you find this summary leaflet interesting, and if you have any ideas please get in touch! transport@uea.ac.uk Cover image: Students outside Mary Chapman Court, UEA accommodation (Image by Pete Huggins for the University of East Anglia. Rights reserved) 1 Left: University Drive, past the new Enterprise Centre (2015) (Image by Morgan Sindall) 2

3 TRAVEL SERVICES AT A GLANCE University Drive, the road through UEA, has entrances on Earlham Road and Bluebell Road. Both entrances provide access for pedestrians, cyclists, buses, and motor vehicles. Pedestrians and cyclists can also access UEA at a variety of other points. There are over 3,600 cycle parking spaces provided on campus, consisting of a mix of secured-covered, covered and uncovered Sheffield stands, as well as showers and lockers for walkers and cyclists in key buildings throughout campus. UEA is served by seven bus routes to a variety of locations that run at least hourly, with the 25 and 26 services going to the rail station via the city centre every 7 and a half minutes. There are also Park & Ride buses travelling every 30 minutes from Costessey, and coaches run by National Express and Megabus that travel further afield. UEA had in excess of 2,500 car parking spaces when the first Travel Plan was implemented in However, due to ongoing efforts to develop and promote more sustainable travel options the current number has been reduced to around 1,560. Two free-to-use electric vehicle (EV) charge points have been installed at the Enterprise Centre, and two more are available in the West Car Park. There is a dedicated Norfolk Car Club space at the top of Chancellor's Drive, which enables members to borrow a Car Club vehicle for short time. UEA car parks have priority parking for those that use UEA s liftsharing scheme, available through SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL IS IMPORTANT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, BUT ALSO FOR THE GENERAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF STAFF AND STUDENTS AT UEA. CATRIN DARSLEY, ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER, UEA Did you know? Staff and students can also get a discounted bus pass from First bus services, with an annual pass costing 60% less than the regular pass! For more information go to UEA staff and students can save up to 15% on their train season tickets with Abellio Greater Anglia. For more information go to You can split the cost of your car journeys by using the UEA Car Share. Users get priority parking before 10:30am, and the scheme has a guaranteed get-you-home service in case of emergency. To find out more go to 3 4

4 TRAVEL TO AND FROM UEA WALKING As well as being practical and costeffective, walking is also a fantastic form of exercise. Get into the habit and reap the health rewards now and in the future. CYCLING Almost 20% of our staff and students already regularly cycle to campus but we want to make it even easier to switch to pedal power. TAKING THE BUS UEA has worked hard with First to negotiate the lowest-priced annual ticket available to any university in the UK, costing as little as 50p a journey. COSTESSEY PARK & RIDE The Park & Ride services offer drivers a cheaper, easier, hassle-free and more environmentally friendly way to get to UEA. Feel happier Exercise combats depression and anxiety, promotes psychological wellbeing, and reduces stress. Back and joint pain Walking can help recovery from back pain, as well as reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It can also help increase mobility after sitting at a desk all day. Get in shape A 60kg person walking at 3mph burns about 100 calories per half hour, and walking faster burns even more. If you have to drive from further afield, could you consider parking off campus and then walking into work? This could save on parking charges and would reduce the overall emissions from your journey. 5 UEA has invested over 1,000,000 in improved cycling facilities over the past 10 years including: Increasing the amount of cycle parking to over 3,600 spaces, and providing showers and lockers to cyclists Working with local organisations to create traffic-free safe cycling routes Funding a full-time Dr Bike service, offering free cycle health checks, minor repair and maintenance services, and quality used cycles. Cycling is healthy both for you and the environment, and compared to other motorised forms of transport it is very cheap. The Cycle to Work scheme allows staff to purchase bicycles and equipment, taxfree. Go to One in four UEA commuter journeys are by bus so we work closely with local transport companies to improve the quality and reliability of services for staff and students. The campus is served by both First and Konectbus bus services, with services from First going to town every 7 minutes, and Konectbus running several regular services to and from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and then to the city and rail station. Coach services provided by National Express go to London and all major airports, and Megabus run low cost inter-city travel from UEA to London, Cambridge, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and on to Europe. View a full list of services to UEA: Every day is leg day when you cycle to campus! 6 The Costessey site has over 1,000 parking spaces so you re almost guaranteed a space. We have arranged a subsidised rate for UEA members: a return ticket (including parking) costs just 1.00 for campus card holders, and the journey to campus only takes 15 minutes. The 510 and 511 services leave every 30 minutes and travel to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and the main UEA campus, respectively. Tickets purchased on either service can be swapped, allowing you to mix and match your travel between the Edith Cavell Building and main UEA campus. Some newer buses include low-emission technology, helping to reduce harmful pollutants throughout Norfolk.

5 TRAVEL TO AND FROM UEA Continued PERSONALISED TRAVEL PLANNING The Travel and Transport Team offer a comprehensive and personalised travel planning service to UEA staff and students. TRAIN SERVICES UEA and Abellio Greater Anglia have worked together to be able to offer great discounts to staff and students. Staff and students can get new discounts when travelling by train with Abellio Greater Anglia. Offers are available on monthly season tickets, annual season tickets, and 10-ticket Carnet bundles. The discounts are for travel from any Abellio Greater Anglia station to Norwich, and are available for purchase up to one month in advance. Discounts available: 10% off the adult rate on monthly and longer Season tickets 10% off Carnet tickets 15% off the adult rate on annual season tickets. For more information go to ueatraintickets. 7 LIFTSHARING Finding parking on campus can be difficult, and the roads get congested at peak times. Sharing your journey eases congestion, lessens travel costs and helps reduce environmental impact. We operate a car share scheme, 'Smart Share', aimed at reducing the number of one-person, one-car commuter journeys. UEA uses an innovative car sharing database, developed specifically for everyone at UEA to help match drivers with similar journeys. Free and easy to use once you have registered you can search for those with a similar journey pattern to you. Car sharers qualify for priority parking before 10:30, and are covered by a guaranteed get-you-home' service in case of emergencies. Liftshare.com offer a free-to-use online database that is ideal for longer journeys, and you can sign up as a driver or a passenger. Join for free at NORFOLK CAR CLUB Norfolk Car Club allows members to hire cars cheaply, with no monthly fee, and it can be better for the environment than driving your own car. Hire cars and vans from as little as 4.80 an hour, or 35 a day. No worries about paying for MOTs, repair bills or car tax. Even the price of fuel and insurance is included. Car Club members save a significant amount of money. For example, replacing a family car less than 5 years old, in which you were driving 6,000 miles per year, would save you at least 1,500 a year. By joining Norfolk Car Club, members can not only use the cars based in Norfolk, but also use any car club cars across the UK operated by the Enterprise Car Club Co-Wheels. Car Club members have smaller carbon footprints as they travel fewer miles, in more efficient cars. Each car is used by around 20 drivers, which is a much more efficient use of vehicles. The vehicles are maintained and upgraded regularly. 8 As students move out of UEA s halls of residence they will be spread out over the city, and staff may also want to move around to new properties in and out of the city. One important thing to consider when looking at properties is how you plan to get about once you ve moved in. The Travel and Transport Team can take you through the options for you in your new location, and can help to formulate a personalised and sustainable travel plan to get you off to an easy start. The service isn t only useful for those moving house though; if you currently drive to campus, the Team can take a look at other more sustainable options that are available to you. For more information, get in contact with the Travel and Transport Team by ing transport@uea.ac.uk.

6 WHAT IS A TRAVEL PLAN? A Travel Plan is a document designed to assess the travel options available to an organisation, and to steer policy towards more sustainable travel options. In its original Travel Plan, the University stated the necessity to reduce its impact on the environment alongside its need to carry out its business and meet commitments to the community. Enable real and affordable modal choice for its community. Deliver a cleaner, safer campus environment. Improve the physical and mental health of staff and students. MONITORING AND REVIEW THE TRAVEL PLAN IS A LIVING DOCUMENT; IT SETS OUT THE UNIVERSITY S PLANS FOR THE FUTURE BUT ALLOWS SPACE FOR OPPORTUNITY OR NEW CHALLENGES TO BE MET. Formally approved by the University Council in 2002, the Travel Plan has been regularly updated over the years to reflect and address changing circumstance. The most recent update was in 2013, although this version did not make any significant changes to policy or the implementation of the 2010 Plan. This 2016 version of the Travel Plan aims to update information to ensure the most current, accurate data is provided. The Plan covers only the main campus, although it is an umbrella for the plan in place at the Norwich Research Park and for future developments. The Travel Plan was not initially produced to support a particular planning application or at the formal request of any national, regional or local authority or organisation. It was developed voluntarily to address identified future travel issues and demonstrates a genuine wish to: Reduce the University s carbon footprint and aid the University in achieving the international standard for environmental management systems, ISO (achieved in May 2015). Improve the University s reputation as a good neighbour. 9 In order that Travel Plans can be adapted or adjusted quickly, it is essential that their performance be monitored closely and regularly. An annual monitoring snapshot of staff travel will be undertaken by the Travel and Transport Team, being supported by targeted surveying of user groups. The Travel Plan will be updated concurrently, with the next update expected in Travel Plan updates will be undertaken by the Transport Co-ordinator. However, any changes to policy will be approved by the University s Executive Team. DAWN DEWAR, TRANSPORT CO-ORDINATOR, UEA 10

7 TRAVEL SURVEY: BACKGROUND AND RESULTS BACKGROUND The University measures modal share (the percentage of travellers using a particular type of transportation) annually via a snapshot survey of staff and students. In-depth surveys seeking to understand motivational factors behind modal choice took place in 2001, 2005, 2008, 2011, and The results of these surveys have been used to guide development of the Travel Plan, and from 2015 the survey will be undertaken by Norfolk County Council. The 2014 survey produced responses from 1329 staff members, 1130 from undergraduates, and 530 from postgraduate students (response rates of 37%, 11%, and 13%, respectively, and 22% overall). We feel that the results of the survey represents a true picture of travel behaviour at UEA despite the low number of respondents, with similar results achieved by hands up surveys at staff and student induction events. Postcode data is also analysed on a regular basis to monitor staff/student movements. This analysis in 2014 revealed that 60% of the University community live within the greater Norwich area. The remaining 40% are resident in the rural hinterland, with the market towns of Great Yarmouth, Wymondham, Dereham and North Walsham particularly popular with staff. This group report the greatest difficulty in finding a sustainable travel mode. Students favour Norwich and in particular the area known as the Golden Triangle, which 11 provides a range of options for their commuter journey due to the relatively short distance: walking and cycling opportunities are supported by regular, frequent bus services. However, over time rental properties in the area have become more expensive and this has led students to widen their net and seek accommodation in less expensive areas including Bowthorpe and Dereham Road. Those with children, in particular families from overseas, will seek accommodation based on the reputation of schools; areas such as Three Score have become popular. However, bus services from Bowthorpe, Dereham Road and Three Score are less frequent, and whilst Three Score may in terms of distance be an ideal place from which to cycle, dropping one or more children at school and nursery before travelling to campus for study or work can preclude cycling as a practical choice for some. This residential split and preference for areas has remained unchanged for around 12 years. RESULTS Students most commonly walk to campus, with bus and bicycle travel also both being more common than commuting by car. Staff members travel by car significantly more frequently than students, and walking is significantly less common. Across staff and students it is very rare for the Park & Ride, taxi, train or motorcycle to be used as travel to UEA. The average distance travelled to UEA by each mode of transport 12

8 ACHIEVEMENTS, TARGETS AND PLANNED ACTIVITIES Targets are defined using current survey data. Emphasis is placed on maintaining achievements to date, and seeking to gain small yet important increases in sustainable travel. MARKETING, INFORMATION AND TRAVEL ASSISTANCE New bus infrastructure will provide real-time information, and new signage will be installed at main bus stops across campus in Improved web presence the Portal webpages will be refreshed and restructured in Designated Transport Co-ordinator and Assistant who encourage, promote and advise the University community on sustainable transport options, and manage UEA s car park permit scheme. Staff and student induction activities, including: Promotion of personalised travel planning Dedicated speaker position at staff and student induction talks Providing students with information on open days, in their joining instructions on arrival, and as part of Welcome Week. 13 Sustainable travel content on the web: UEA Sustainable Ways: about/sustainability/campus/travel UEA Portal: estates/travel-and-transport Social media presence through Facebook and Twitter (@SustainableUEA) A range of printed materials including leaflets and posters. Participation in a variety of events across the academic year, including Go Green Week, Travel Matters Week, and regular pop-up stalls. Regular content in the weekly UEA-wide e-bulletin to staff and/or students, dependent on the message. The student newspaper, and digital screens across the University are also used to promote travel messages as required. UEA s Sustainability Network volunteers help to spread the message within their building/ School/ Department/ Division. Green Impact teams are also supported in undertaking a number of travel-related actions. Travel & Transport Team staff are on hand to advise on sustainable travel options for potential rental properties when students seek accommodation. WALKING AND CYCLING Cycle hire scheme, making use of innovative new technologies Further improvements to Dr Bike service Support for a cycle buddy scheme, in conjunction with the BUG. Over 1,000,000 has been spent on infrastructure improvements, including: Improved lighting and the addition of CCTV to cross-valley link Improvements to Cow Drive a key access route for active travel to/from UEA Creation of new route from Bluebell Road into the heart of campus High quality facilities for cyclists, including 3,600 cycle stands and campus-wide shower facilities Dr Bike service upgraded to 5-day-aweek operation. Policy developments Automatic consideration of sustainable travel as part of new project and refurbishment design processes 14 Grounds policy that ensures vegetation alongside pedestrian and cycle paths is managed, to avoid journeys being impacted by low branches, stinging nettles, vegetation creep resulting in narrow paths, etc. Travel expenses for business journeys (currently 20p per mile) made by cycle. Abandoned cycle policy: bikes are refurbished and resold at the Dr Bike cycle repair shop, enabling students and staff to purchase high-quality refurbished bikes. This reduces waste, and is a social enterprise. Increased promotional/support activities Cycle map giving information on cycle routes, location of cycle parking, etc. Promotional events with free gifts (e.g pedometers, bike seat covers, cyclists breakfast) Participation in the Government s Cycle to Work Scheme to aid employees with cycle purchases Free cycle health check clinics, minor repairs and maintenance service and advice on safe cycling provide by resident Dr Bike Revitalised UEA Bicycle User Group (BUG), re-launched in 2016.

9 ACHIEVEMENTS, TARGETS AND PLANNED ACTIVITIES Continued PARK & RIDE SERVICES CAR SHARING AND CAR CLUB PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES The University, supported by the successful Better Bus Area bid awarded to Norwich, will improve bus infrastructure at the main bus stops. New waiting areas will provide cover while also creating attractive and interesting waiting areas, and real time information will be available at stops and in the centre of campus. Facilities to buy tickets for bus services will be provided, and UEA is also hoping to enable rail ticket sales. Interest-free loans for public transport season tickets for UEA staff. UEA has an arrangement with First to enable staff to purchase bus season tickets via Direct Debit through the Corporate Travel Club. The University wishes to help its staff purchase tickets by extending payment over a full year by providing interest free loans available to purchase a season ticket from any bus or train operator. UEA staff and students are able to save up to 15% on Abellio Greater Anglia season and 10-trip Carnet tickets: UEA has worked closely with First, the main bus provider to the University, to improve the quality and reliability of services. Cultural awareness training with First bus drivers. Daily coach services provided by National Express to London and major airports and Megabus to London. Megabus added journeys to Birmingham in Approximately 80,000 was spent to improve safety at the main bus stop by increasing the length of the bus stand, adding pedestrian crossings and changing the road layout. Creation of a second bus stop to accommodate additional services including the Park & Ride buses. Improvements to Chancellors Drive to address space issues that created conflict between users, through the creation of a new bus pull-in and a dedicated coach lay-by. UEA will continue to investigate its proposal for a dedicated pedestrian, cycle, and bus route across the Yare Valley. The University hopes to operate services from the Thickthorn Park & Ride site. The 511 service will be reduced from every 20 minutes to every 30 minutes, with term-time operation only. The campus design is under review, with a view to enhancing Chancellors Drive with better bus stops, cycle parking, and wider walkways. The Costessey P&R service 511 leaves every 20 minutes between 07:20 and 19:15, and parking and return fare has been frozen at 1.00, making this option very cost effective when compared with on-campus parking charges. Service 510 from Konectbus provides a 30 minute service for those traveling to the School of Nursing Sciences in the Norwich Research Park. UEA and NRP institutes are discussing how to provide a joint car share scheme and thereby increase the size of the sharing pool. In conjunction with Norfolk County CIC / Norfolk Car Club, the University aims to establish and grow the car club at UEA and thereby enable a further (and potentially electric) vehicle to be stationed on site. The University offers its staff and students membership of the Norfolk Car Club: Journey sharing is promoted throughout the year with special events and competitions to encourage people to register and share. UEA s car share scheme Smart Share offers: Priority parking before in bays located closest to buildings. Guaranteed-get-you-home service ensuring transport is available should an emergency occur. To increase opportunities for sharing, The lowest-priced annual bus season ticket available to any University in the UK; some 6,000 annual season tickets are sold each year. UEA campus card holders can save around 65% on the recommended retail price of season tickets applicants for UEA parking permits can provide their journey details to the Transport Assistant who will then register them with UEACarshare.com. Applicants need only activate their registration.

10 ACHIEVEMENTS, TARGETS AND PLANNED ACTIVITIES Continued WHERE TO FIND US? PERSONAL VEHICLES Introduction of the priority parking band and abolition of parking charges for those contracted to work unsocial hours. Short stay parking in pay & display areas to be implemented. Parking permit management system, enabling improved management of car parks and charging. Car park revenue is ring-fenced for sustainable travel measures. Since 2002, UEA has reduced its parking stock by 35% and remains below its approved limits. Parking violation charges for those in breach of the parking regulations that can be reduced if paid within 14 days. Key points of UEA s policy on car parking: No automatic issue of parking permits. Students are required to provide justification for a parking permit. The Student Parking Appeals Panel may issue a parking permit to a student where there are exceptional and extenuating welfare circumstances. Scheduled visitors: Hosts may purchase full/limited permits for visitors arriving before/after 14:00, respectively. 17 Unscheduled visitors: Parking will be charged as standard. PARTNERSHIP WORKING UEA seeks to work with any organisation with shared goals and benefits. Examples include Norfolk County Council, Norwich City Council, ACT Travelwise, and the Environmental Association of Universities and Colleges (EAUC the Higher Education sector body for sustainability) amongst many. New season and Carnet train ticket discounts from Abellio Greater Anglia are now available to UEA staff and students, saving up to 15%. There are quarterly meetings between NRP travel coordinators. The Norwich Research Park expansion will provide further opportunities to work in partnership to deliver initiatives. There is already collaboration between the Hospital and the University, and support has been available for initiatives such as Park & Ride bus service 511. The University has supported the Better Bus Area bid (Norfolk County Council) and Push the Peddleways cycle route developments (Norwich City Council). The Travel and Transport Team are located in the Lodge, which is on the roundabout joining Chancellors Drive and University Drive (shown in red on the map bellow). They are available during office hours Monday to Friday, and when not available the UEA Security Officers should be able to help. Any questions? Web: transport@uea.ac.uk SustainableUEA Telephone: In emergencies call

11 SUSTAINABLE WAYS TRAVELLING TOWARDS 2020 Find out about UEA s Travel Plan, and: Save money, time and help reduce congestion Learn what UEA is doing to reduce its carbon footprint from travel 19