Insights and Recommendations from the 2022 University of Otago Staff Travel Survey

Abstract

The 2022 University Staff Travel Survey at the University of Otago was analysed to describe staff's commuting habits and explore the potential for mode shift. Reducing travel emissions through mode shift of staff's travel is part of the University of Otago’s plan to achieve net carbon zero by 2030. Still, staff travel behaviour, and its driving factors need to be understood before effective interventions and policies can be developed. This report analyses responses from 968 staff based on the Dunedin campus and surrounding facilities. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were generated for variables of interest. Travelling alone in a private vehicle was the most common mode for staff to travel to work by, followed by travelling in a private vehicle with others, and then walking/travelling on foot. This appeared to vary across distance brackets and suburb groups. The most common reasons for mode choice were convenience, speed, the need to transport others, and cost. Different modes were associated with different most common reasons. Some areas of potential mode shift were identified. However, further research is needed to quantify the potential for mode shift. In addition to analysing the 2022 staff travel survey, recommendations for future surveys were provided.

Supervised by: Dr Vanessa Beanland & Associate Professor Rebecca McLean
Scholarship funded by: Sustainability Office/Transport Research Network