As we anticipate the end of the peak of the Omicron outbreak, we are looking forward to opening our campuses once again. This includes the return of the daily commute and the associated cost and road congestion. And just like other aspects of our lives, which will find a new normal, we have an opportunity to pause and think how to make that commute better and smarter. This article explores one such option – giving public transport a go.
HOP cards give away with two-weeks of free travel
A well-used public transport system is fundamental to making cities livable, and Auckland Transport is currently working through its 10 year plan to make it easier for Auckland’s growing population to get around. To engage new commuters, AT offers a free two-week trial of buses and trains. To apply you need to fill out Auckland Transport’s short survey.
If you qualify, you’ll receive an Auckland Transport HOP card pre-loaded with credit, to trial public transport for two weeks. It’s a great way to test out an active commute to work instead of sitting in your car – you can explore your options for free and trial a bus or train commute or a combination of both. It’s not just for use during peak times, you can use it in the evenings or weekends and make savings on parking and taxis!
Direct public transport routes to Mt Albert campus
Did you know that Mt Albert campus has a direct train or bus route to 18 suburbs across our motu? Last year, our sustainability team mapped those routes out, including the stops on surrounding roads and pedestrian links into our core campus. Click here to see the campus transport network map.
Commuter stories
An everyday commute by public transport is not for everyone, but if you do live in one of those areas, is there at least one day a week you could leave car at home? Last year, we spoke to two our staff members, both car driving enthusiasts, who shared their experience of adding buses and trains to their commute mix.
Pre-Covid snapshot: 2020 Staff travel survey
Auckland is one of those cities designed for cars, so it comes as no surprise that most of us drive to Unitec alone. For some of us, this is by choice (or lack there of), but the majority was willing to explore other options and was actively looking for opportunities to do so.
- 26% of our staff didn’t see themselves driving alone in the future
- Out of the staff that drive, 31% live less than one hour away on public transport from campus
- Staff interested in public transport highlighted that lack of convenience can be offset by flexible work hours
Mid-2022, we will be carrying out our bi-annual staff travel survey. It will be interesting to see how the Covid experience has changed our commuting attitudes.
For the full breakdown of the 2020 staff travel survey results, check out this report
Using public transport can provide health benefits and a less stressful commute, you’ll also save on petrol costs, contribute to one less car on the road and you can use your no-drive time to catch-up on some reading while you ride to work! So why not give it a go?
Any update on the Uni Waka app? That’s also an exciting option I hope becomes a realisation. This would also solve the limited carparking problem and be a more enjoyable convenient commute for most staff who live within the 10-20 minutes drive (peak hour time) of Unitec.
Yes, we are working on an update for next week – stay tuned!