Promoting sustainable travel choices post COVID-19: recognising new study modes and commuting trends

University populations have seen a shift in the way that they study and teach since COVID-19. This includes embracing hybrid ways of studying and even studying entirely from a remote location.

These changes have had a flow on effect on the commuting patterns for both students and staff. As this cohort is a big user of public transport, the changes have had a significant impact in this area in particular.

Transport for NSW undertook this piece of research to support its Travel Choices Program by understanding commuting intentions and needs, and developing sustainable commuting recommendations that offer a good user experience.

This project took the University of Sydney as a use case and investigated patterns over a number of campuses to achieve the following objectives:

• Establish intended return to campus plans of staff and students in the light of modified study and work modes.
• Revise the draft Transport for NSW Travel Plan Toolkit in the light of the outcome of objective #1.
• Develop a University Travel Choices implementation plan for the University of Sydney campuses. 
• Provide recommendations for suggested initiatives to influence travel behaviours and demand in a university environment.

Join us to hear about the outcomes and ask your questions.

Project presenter

Professor John Nelson is Chair in Public Transport at the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS), University of Sydney.