Commuting Habits of the University of Otago Staff

The potential for mode shift

Abstract

Transport contributes greatly to CO2 emissions in New Zealand. Studies have suggested that this is because there is a great  reliance on private cars with reduced incentive to use public or active transport. This research project looks at the current commuting habits of University of Otago employees and the potential barriers or facilitators surrounding a change in travel mode. This will be done by analyzing relevant academic literature which looks at barriers surrounding public transport use nationally and internationally. Data will also be obtained quantitatively through a survey which is sent to all university staff, and qualitatively through focus groups. The three research questions that this study will be conducted through are: What proportion  of university employees use different travel modes and what are the reasons for this? What is the potential for mode shift? What  are potential barriers or facilitators? Three major themes came up throughout this study and they relate to the frequency of  service, waiting time, and travel time. This research seeks to find out how University of Otago staff could be encouraged or facilitated to use public or zero-emission transport. Furthermore, this research supports New Zealand’s Net Zero Emissions by  2050 goal.

Supervised by: Dr Vanessa Beanland & Associate Professor Rebecca McLean, University of Otago
Scholarship funded by: Sustainability Office/Psychology Department, University of Otago