Sustainable transport is broadly understood as transport that avoids or minimises adverse effects on the environment and the depletion of natural resources and considers social justice, community health and economic development aspects.
Our commitment to sustainable transport
Sustainable Transport Strategy
The University of Tasmania is committed to supporting staff and students to choose sustainable transport options and has developed a Sustainable Transport Strategy to guide and support investments and actions that deliver more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable transport outcomes and travel behaviours.
The University has had a Sustainable Transport Strategy since 2012. The Strategy provides information on transport practices within the University community and maps a plan towards more sustainable transport practices and outcomes. The strategy covers all University campuses and facilities, and addresses transport issues for the whole University community, including students, staff and visitors.
- Sustainable Transport Strategy 2022-2032 (PDF 1.8 MB)
- Sustainable Transport Strategy 2017-2021 (PDF 1.7 MB)
- Final Implementation Report from Sustainable Transport Strategy 2012-2016 (PDF 3.6 MB)
Carbon neutral certification
The University of Tasmania was the second University to be certified carbon neutral in Australia. Greenhouse gas emissions from University’s business travel and staff commuting are calculated, reported and offset. Choosing more sustainable travel options will contribute to reducing the University’s greenhouse gas emissions .
Our sustainable transport initiatives
The University of Tasmania is committed to supporting staff and students to choose sustainable transport options to access the University of Tasmania facilities by:
Public transport
Staff and students have the option to use free shuttles between some campuses, as well as urban and regional buses. Check How to catch a Metro bus, including the videos in the ‘Video guides’ section, which were developed by University students.
Active transport
The University gives priority to pedestrians (e.g., with pedestrian crossing, no car areas, rider dismount areas) and encourages staff and students to take advantage of numerous walking paths around campuses. All our campuses are walkable and accessible.
There are also numerous cycling paths around campus grounds and the surrounding areas. E-scooters are also welcome on all campuses. Check the 'Decide your Ride’ videos for safe and bikeable routes.
University staff can benefit from "All-Sorted" e-bike plans, which provide the option to salary sacrifice an e-bike [staff intranet].
Ride and car sharing
You can make your drive more sustainable by using Liftango (a ridesharing app exclusively for our university community) or Flexicar (car hire by the hour).
Electric charging
Electric vehicle charging stations have been installed on Tasmanian campuses. You can find our EV charging stations listed on Plug Share.
Electric bike (and scooter) charging stations are available in bike hubs. Some bike hubs have publicly accessible power points.
Virtual transport
Virtual transport refers to information and communication technologies (ICT) that allow people to communicate virtually. Staff and students have access to virtual communication options that allow them to connect in real time across physical distances.
- The main University online learning tool, MyLO , supports on and off campus students’ learning.
- Many staff have the option to telecommute (work remotely), through remote access networking, portable computers, and other mobile communication technologies.
- The University has a wide range of video conferencing options, allowing the University community to meet virtually (e.g., for teaching, university business meetings, and conferences).
Our progress
The University of Tasmania Sustainable Transport Strategy includes a commitment to monitoring and reporting key indicators and evaluation, for which the University collects various data:
- Travel Behaviour Survey. The Sustainable Team co-ordinates a biennial Travel Behaviour Survey to collect information on the travel behaviour and patterns of the University community across all campuses and facilities.
- Sustainable transport infographic (PDF 138.6 KB)
- Greenhouse gas emissions from University transport
- For other data, contact transport.utas@utas.edu.au
Get involved
- Participate in the Sustainability Integration Program for Students (SIPS) with a sustainable transport related project.
- You can play a part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport and improving your quality of life and your community’s through improved health outcomes associated with sustainable transport. Choosing a sustainable transport option will also help you reduce transport costs. When travelling to the University or between campuses, consider:
- Ride sharing to minimise single occupant car travel
- Riding a motorcycle/scooter
- Using public transport (bus, train)
- Using active transport modes (cycling and walking)
- Videoconferencing
- To support sustainable transport initiatives, please download this poster and display it in your area:
Get in touch
Do you have a general query or feedback about 'transport' at the University of Tasmania? We would love to hear from you.
Email: campus.services@utas.edu.au