The University has published a progress report on the second year of its Integrated Transport Plan 2023–2030, outlining developments in sustainable travel across our campuses and accommodation sites.
The plan aligns with Strategy 2030 and the University’s Climate Strategy, and adopts targets from the City of Edinburgh Council’s City Mobility Plan.
Key highlights from 2024 include:
- Active travel improvements
Work continued on the Cameron Toll to BioQuarter Active Travel Route, alongside further planned connections within BioQuarter and the wider region. The University also engaged with Midlothian Council on new routes to Easter Bush. - Affordable bike access
The UniCycles e-bike hire scheme, supporting students at Pollock Halls and Pentland House, expanded in its second year. Feedback highlights health, financial and environmental benefits. - Staff engagement programmes
‘Active’ travel campaigns launched at Pollock Halls, King’s Buildings and BioQuarter, offering e-bike loans, cycle training and led walks and rides. - Improved public transport
Collaborations with Lothian Buses led to service enhancements, particularly at Easter Bush. - Car parking and fleet changes
Permit pricing was reviewed and increased, and ACE sites were integrated into the parking system. The University also began centralising its fleet, reducing numbers and shifting to electric vehicles, with a 25% reduction of Trades vehicles planned by the end of 2025.
2024 Commuter Travel Survey insights
The 2024 Commuter Travel Survey, completed by over 8,300 staff and students, highlights key shifts in travel behaviour across our campuses:
- Staff car use fell at Pollock Halls (down 7%), BioQuarter (down 4%) and King’s Buildings (down 3%)
- Student car use at Easter Bush dropped from 30% to 25%
- Walking, cycling and public transport use increased at several campuses
- Car use at Easter Bush remains above target
- Overall car kilometres travelled fell by 10% compared to 2019, with more work needed to meet the 30% reduction target by 2030.
Next steps
Planned actions for 2025 will build on the progress made in 2024, with a continued focus on reducing car use and encouraging more sustainable travel. Priorities include finalising active travel plans between BioQuarter and Sheriffhall, supporting the development of a new public bike hire scheme, reviewing parking permits and pricing, and fully centralising and electrifying the University fleet. Work will also continue on driver training and implementing a fleet database to support better vehicle management.