3 A word from Massey University. 4 A word from Auckland Transport. 5 A word from ASA. 6 A Travel Plan for Massey University, Albany

Transcription

1 Albany Travel Demand Management Plan 2012

2 2 albany transport plan

3 CONTENT 3 A word from Massey University 4 A word from Auckland Transport 5 A word from AA 6 A Travel Plan for Massey University, Albany 7 The Travel Plan at a glance 9 A summary of Travel Plan actions 12 Moving forward 13 What can you do? albany transport plan 3

4 a word from massey university Massey University s Albany Campus is an enthusiastic participant in this important initiative and we are pleased to see this travel plan completed and ready to be implemented. Our students and staff eagerly participated in the initial research and critiqued the early draft of the resulting plan. We will be encouraging staff and students to embrace the plan, in the spirit of the University s commitment to sustainability across a wide range of areas and activities. We see the adoption of this plan, with its focus on reducing car usage and making other transport options as accessible, affordable and convenient as possible, as pivotal to our vision at Massey for a sustainable future. ustainability is a key platform of our Road to 2020 strategy. As a modern institution confronting the considerable economic and environmental challenges of the 21st century, Massey aims to provide leadership and to set a good example through its guiding principles of integrating sustainable thinking and practices into our research, teaching and consultation, as well as in our day-to-day operational and logistical activities. As stated in the University s strategy document; we have committed ourselves to making sustainability central to everything we do. While it is true that the option of free parking at this campus is often cited as one of the advantages of studying or working here, we acknowledge that our car-centred culture is not compatible with protecting and preserving our environment in the long term. Hence, our collaboration with Auckland Transport in formulating this plan to ensure we offer the very best, most comprehensive suite of transport choices to staff, students and visitors to the campus on the journey towards a more sustainable existence. Andrea Davies Campus Registrar March albany transport plan

5 a word from auckland transport This Travel Plan represents the collaboration between Massey University Albany Campus and Auckland Transport in seeking to resolve issues related to staff and students travelling to and from this university. As Massey grows and there is greater demand for car parks, there is a need to manage this demand. Massey University, Albany, is implementing a Travel Demand Management Plan (Travel Plan for short) with the aim of improving access to its precincts by all modes of travel, improving choices for everyone. Albany is a growing suburb of Auckland, and already faces many transport challenges. To be successful, the Travel Plan will need the support of staff, students and visitors to the University. Auckland Transport, in partnership with Massey University, supports the initiative to promote sustainable transport through tertiary travel planning, promoting public transport and carpooling, and increasing travel awareness and road safety. Through the Travel Plan, Auckland Transport believes that it is important to respond positively to the challenge to develop a travel strategy that will benefit staff, students and visitors and achieve positive environmental benefits. As you will see from the Massey Travel Demand Management Plan, we have been successful in seeking the views of staff and students, who have helped us come up with a range of constructive and practical measures. Matthew Rednall Manager Community Transport March 2012 albany transport plan 5

6 a word from asa Transport to and from Massey University s Albany campus has presented different challenges for students stretching back to when the campus opened in Today, the need for there to be a coordinated Travel Plan is near and dear to almost 7,500 Albany students and staff, and the Albany tudents Association is proud to be part of this joint initiative, with Auckland Transport and Massey University, to provide sustainable transport options for our members. We see this Travel Plan as the first step towards achieving goals that are economically and environmentally sustainable and which will continue to develop and benefit the entire campus and the greater Auckland community. tephan van Heerden AA President March albany transport plan

7 a Travel Plan for Massey University, Albany Massey University has campuses in Palmerston North, Wellington and Albany, Auckland. The Manawatu campus prepared a Travel Plan in November 2005 and the Wellington campus in May An initial Transport Plan for the Albany campus was developed in In 2011 Massey University, Albany, embarked on preparing a new travel plan specifically to address the transport issues facing the students and staff attending the Albany campus in Auckland. Throughout this document where Massey University is mentioned, it is referred to as the Albany campus. This travel plan was developed as a partnership between Massey University and Auckland Transport, with the involvement of Albany tudents Association Inc. Massey is planning to continue to attract further enrolments at Albany which, over time, will add pressure to existing resources. The number of car parks is an issue that has been highlighted by students, staff and visitors for a long time. The benefits of this travel plan are expected to be; reduced road and car park congestion, and improved environmental performance. At each of the Albany campus sites, Massey is experiencing parking problems and with ever increasing demand on University services, this is unlikely to diminish. Massey takes its organisational responsibility seriously and would like to reduce its environmental impact. This is reflected in Massey s strategic plan The Road to One of the ix Big Goals contained in that plan is Responsibility. In addition to aspects related to research and teaching, one of the elements of the Responsibility goal is Aim to reduce Massey s environmental impact by increasing sustainability practices and behaviour. This travel plan will contribute to achieving the aspirational goals of the Massey strategic plan. With all Massey Albany sites, the commuter traffic and parking issues have the potential to impact negatively on the organisation s relationship with nearby residents and workplaces. If complaints are lodged with the Auckland Council, it may lead to action to protect or limit parking around the university precincts. Massey wishes to proactively avoid such issues or measures before they arise. There are 6,300 students enrolled and 550 staff employed. However each day during semester time, around 3,500 students and staff travel to and around Massey University s three Albany precincts. This is one of the largest travelling populations in Albany. The daily journeys for staff and students put significant pressure on the roads and passenger transport systems around Albany. This can mean congestion and delayed journey times for students, staff and other commuters, as they travel to and around the Albany area. As Albany grows and Massey University continues to develop, we need to ensure that Massey has efficient transport links and choices. When thinking about the needs of staff and students, the Massey University Travel Plan represents some particular challenges, including: many students and staff select Massey University because of easy access and free parking on site People travel to university for many different reasons (e.g. work, study, sport, recreation and social events) The number of travellers changes across the year during and between semesters students, staff and visitors tend to have very different travel patterns Their travel choices can be motivated by a wide variety of factors This travel plan sets out a range of actions that will increase travel options and improve travel choices and make it easier for more people to get to and around the Massey University precincts. It is a five-year plan that considers all travel options including walking, cycling, passenger transport, car-pooling and driving. We have set an initial target of encouraging 10% of current singleoccupant car drivers to travel by more sustainable options over the next five years. albany transport plan 7

8 THE Travel Plan at a glance Thinking about the future ince 2006 there have been major developments to the Albany area, such as the Westfield Mall, new schools, park n ride stations, northern bus way, northern and western motorway upgrades, and growth in the North Harbour industrial estate. Over the next 10 years, Albany will continue to see big changes with major improvements to our transport infrastructure and services, including the upgrade of Albany Highway, extension to the parking at Albany Park n Ride station, further residential and commercial development within Albany, and extension to the Westfield Mall. Massey University is also planning on-campus accommodation within five years. Campus development plans aim to reduce spend on car parks and related maintenance in order to invest limited budgets on teaching and research activities. Understanding current travel behaviour Massey University s Travel Plan steering group undertook a travel behaviour research programme. This included a survey completed during August 2011, and focus groups in December A total of 785 responses were received from students - this is 12% of total students (6,277) at Massey University. A total of 172 responses were received from staff this is 31% of total staff at Massey University. These sample sizes give us confidence that we understand current behaviours, issues and barriers. The actions we have developed address these issues and barriers and help to make sustainable transport more attractive. staff drive alone. This survey shows that 72% of staff drive alone, and 63% of students drive alone. Most staff and students drive alone mainly due to the abundance of free car parking on site. There are 2190 car parks across the three Albany precincts, of which 458 are designated to staff. Of the 1732 un-designated car parks, 59 are dedicated car-pooling priority parks. For staff, car-pooling is the second preferred mode of travel. For students, public transport and car- pooling are the next main modes of travel behaviour. Overall, travel choices are determined by a combination of factors including access to free car parking, convenience, and the frequency of public transport. student trips staff trips ince 2006 there has been a 7% decrease in the number of students driving alone to University and a 5% decrease in the number of staff driving alone to work. Of particular note has been the introduction in 2006 of 40% discount on public transport for full time students, and the Massey University Rideshare cheme (also started in 2006). Both of these initiatives are likely to have influenced travel behaviour over the last few years. Massey staff responses reflect general workplace travel trends in the Albany area. The Albany Centre Area Travel Planning study conducted in 2010 showed that 73% of 8 albany transport plan

9 Key issues and opportunities There are many opportunities to explore to encourage staff and students to consider their travel choices, including: The Rideshare scheme already exists with reasonable awareness, however there are opportunities to promote this scheme more widely and increase utilisation of priority car parking spaces facilities in the tudent Amenities Centre reduce the need for students to leave campus during the day thus allowing for consideration for using other travel options There is opportunity to consider reducing car parks and to use the space for teaching or research purposes Car park space could be charged for users outside of campus to raise revenue as campus is located near a bus-way There will be major disruption during the upgrade of Albany Highway which may force University users to consider alternative travel options Public transport services for the North hore are due for a major review in the next few years, providing an opportunity to request services better suited to campus users begin planning for the eventual introduction of parking charges are endeavouring to reduce Massey s environmental impact by increasing sustainability practices and behaviour. Taking our understanding of the factors that affect travel behaviour, we have developed and prioritised actions based on the following principles: infrastructure and service changes need to take place before they are fully promoted but education on existing services, routes for public transport, safer routes for cyclists can be done before infrastructure changes take place Consultation with staff and students has assisted with identification of actions, and these are linked to those with the greatest potential for behaviour change Actions speak louder than words A wide range of travel plan actions has been developed and consulted on with University staff and students. The initiation of these actions has been assigned to one of three phases to represent their priority and to best fit with the University, local and regional developments. Phasing explained: () hort term = 6 to 12 months (M) Medium term = 1 to 3 years (L) Long term = 4+ years An implementation plan will be developed to identify specific tasks and timeframes and who is responsible. Our Approach At Massey we want to ensure we are doing all we can to promote the uptake of alternative transport options to reduce reliance on cars, and traffic congestion. This move reflects a broader aim of fulfilling our civic and ethical responsibilities under the banner of sustainability. The newly refined Travel Plan is one of the key ways we at Massey can demonstrate to the community at large our determination to make a difference in ways that will enhance the society and environment of which we are part. Under the heading of Responsibility - one of the six big goals of the University s Road to 2020 strategy we albany transport plan 9

10 A summary of Travel Plan actions PHAE (/M/L) TRAVEL PLAN ACTION PROGRE PUBLIC TRANPORT (i.e. Bus, Train, Ferry ) Bus services M/L Ticketing M/L /M M/L Auckland Transport and Massey to work in partnership to review and improve accessibility to new and existing public transport services. The Massey University shuttle service will be reviewed to: assess the feasibility of linking with the lecture timetables more effectively, making it more attractive to staff and students assess the feasibility of extending the service to local park and ride stations at morning and afternoon peaks Promote integrated ticketing system and ticketing options. Continue promotion of the 40% tertiary discount for full time students. Advocate for the 40% tertiary discount to be applied to part-time students. Review ticket sales outlets at the university as a result of changes to the Albany /M tudents Association Inc. CARPOOLING / RIDEHARE Investigate options for linking with car-pooling systems that widen the pool of participants. M Review provision of priority car parks for car pool participants. Investigate possibility of guaranteed ride home if car pool participant gets stranded by changed/urgent circumstances. CYCLING / WALKING Investigate the use of pool bikes for students and staff to use between precincts with accessible storage options. HOP promotion held during 2012 O Week campaign AA inform students as they purchase PT tickets Promoted during 2012 O Week campaign AA inform students as they purchase PT tickets AA seeking coordinated approach between Auckland tudents Associations and Tertiary Institutions Collaborating with AT Rideshare (Ridepro) scheme as of 2012 M/L M /M Promote location of existing cycle storage facilities on each precinct. Investigate ways of improving and promoting safe access on and off site for cycling and walking. Investigate options for providing more secure cycle storage facilities and lockers on each precinct Promote shower facilities available at the Rec Centre for cycle commuters. Investigate opportunities for cycle training to ensure safe cycling. Investigate possibility of guaranteed ride home if cyclist/walker gets stranded by urgent circumstances. 10 albany transport plan

11 PHAE (/M/L) TRAVEL PLAN ACTION PROGRE PRIVATE VEHICLE /M Undertake a parking review at the University precincts and develop a management system for car parking, including options for charging for parking. /M Investigate city hop pool vehicles for staff. M/L Investigate policy for pool vehicles for work and private use during the day. REDUCING THE NEED TO TRAVEL Promote student accommodation near the University or close to passenger transport hubs and stations. Promote opportunities for staff teleworking options and video and teleconferencing /M facilities. Investigate staff flexitime arrangements for all staff to facilitate off-peak travel where possible. /M Investigate policy on the submission of student assignments by . Investigate system for correlating work-related travel to and from airport, both in Palmerston North and Auckland Investigate policy on inter-precinct library book returns. COMMUNICATION / MARKETING OF TRAVEL PLAN INITIATIVE Hold a staff launch of the Travel Plan, highlighting the successes since the 2006 travel survey. cheduled for 3 rd April 2012 /M /M /M /M Run a Give the bus a go campaign with staff by providing free discovery bus passes. Create a communications strategy, including design and branding of the Travel Plan for use on all implementation activities. Investigate using social media to promote sustainable transport use sign up for updates / travel plan project notices. Establish a community of interest and/or advisory group which meets each semester and maintains enthusiasm amongst staff for continuing improvements, e.g., online staffroom community Update the Transport Information Guide to include all sustainable transport options. Explore opportunities to promote travel options during Open Days and course advice days. Develop travel map showing all modes and related features for Massey area Update and utilise display panel near bus stops on East Precinct to create a Travel Plan Noticeboard. Increase promotion of MAXX and transport options pages on the University and AA websites and other relevant material. implify public transport information and customise for Massey users. Completed for O Week distribution Currently reviewing user feedback. albany transport plan 11

12 A summary of Travel Plan actions PHAE (/M/L) /M /M TRAVEL PLAN ACTION Review and improve public transport signage on campus. Develop a campaign and promotion plan for O Week. Investigate customer-centred and real-time public transport information opportunities on campus, and around local Albany area. Create transport options information package for staff and include this in new staff info packs. Investigate the best smart phone applications for travel options and promote to staff and students. Provide information about comparisons of cost and access from different zones to Massey using different travel modes. Promote the benefits of the Rideshare scheme, to staff and students. PROGRE Completed 2012 estimated 1500 students engaged 12 albany transport plan

13 moving forward This travel plan is an ongoing strategy to improve options for Massey University travellers. The targets and actions set out here will be reviewed regularly as Auckland Transport and the University continues to develop and grow over the next 10 years. This will ensure that we remain flexible and able to adapt to, and influence, wider changes as they become available. Establishing and maintaining momentum in the early stages of the plan is essential to its ongoing success and some significant changes, such as the upgrade of Albany Highway, are likely to have a huge impact on travel behaviour both during and post-construction. This major infrastructure project is scheduled to commence in the first year of this Travel Plan s implementation. In order to move forward, the University has identified representatives to work on the plan s delivery and also to collaborate with members of Auckland Transport, and other stakeholders where appropriate. They will ensure that the organisations continue to co-ordinate the actions set out in the plan. These representatives will meet throughout the plan s implementation to report on progress and review the targets. Auckland Transport will co-ordinate the monitoring and reporting process. This will include a follow-up survey of staff and student behaviour in 2014, then a thorough review of the travel plan actions and a report on progress to staff and students. In the meantime, updates on progress will be presented on and and For further information please contact: Massey University: Cathy van der Vyver Health and afety Advisor c.vandervyver@massey.ac.nz albany transport plan 13

14 what can you do? In the meantime, what can you do to help? tudents and staff Think about the options that could work for you: living close to the University will save you time and money Walking and cycling will help you become fit and healthy living near a bus service will help you save on parking hassles and take the stress out of the daily commute Car-pooling will help to share the costs of your journey Planning ahead and combining two or three destinations into one journey will save the costs of one-off trips Check out MAXX at or call (09) to see how close you are to passenger transport links and find out which travel options could work for you. taff The actions in this travel plan are aimed at travelling to and from work, so also think about what you can do to help while at work: Use the huttle bus to get to the other precincts Use the huttle bus to get to the Albany village, Mega Centre and Westfield Mall Walk between campuses to attend meetings Walk to the Mega Centre and Westfield Mall Car-pool between campuses with other meeting goers Use on-site services such as the physiotherapist, health and counselling centre, pharmacy, library, ATM, cholar s cafe, Bennetts Bookstore, Orbit Travel, etc. Keep an eye on the ongoing changes set out in this plan that will make it even easier to get to and around Massey University, Albany. 14 albany transport plan

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