The University of South Bohemia analysed the mobility of students and employees - the key is more accessible and faster transport

Last year, the University of South Bohemia joined with 11 other universities in the Czech Republic in a questionnaire survey focused on student and staff mobility. The data collection was coordinated by Palacký University Olomouc, with ITREGEP - Institute for Transport Economics, Geography and Policy as the expert consulting partner. More than 1,370 students and staff members participated in the survey at the University of South Bohemia.

The extensive analysis of student and staff mobility maps the commuting patterns to the university campuses, the main barriers to sustainable transport and the opportunities for further development. The results confirm that mobility is an important strategic issue with an impact not only on the environment, but also on the quality of the university environment, accessibility to study and work, and the overall well-being of the university community.

"The data show that time, availability and reliability of connections and financial costs play a key role in the choice of transport mode," said Assoc. Bernas, the lead author of the mobility report, added that individual car transport remains dominant, especially for employees, while students are more likely to use public transport and rail.

The report also includes an indicative assessment of the carbon footprint of commuting. The results confirm that the largest share of emissions comes from individual car transport with an internal combustion engine, while public transport, rail and active forms of transport have significantly lower environmental impacts.


RECOMMENDATIONS:
- improve connectivity and accessibility of public transport
- development of safe cycling infrastructure
- introducing economic and incentive instruments
- promoting flexible working and studying - systematic communication and data handling

The above mentioned report was prepared with the support of the NPO project Promoting Green Skills and Sustainability - USB. The University of South Bohemia will use the analysis results as a basis for strategic mobility management and sustainable development.

The full report is available here.