Auckland's university students are leading other commuters in "sustainable transport", but a programme was launched last night to encourage them to do more.
A 10-year travel plan is being laid out for the 40,000 or so students and staff of the University of Auckland and the neighbouring Auckland
University of Technology who are estimated to travel in each day.
The Auckland Regional Transport Authority, which is sponsoring the plan with the two universities, Auckland City and Transit NZ, says that is one of the country's largest travelling populations and puts significant pressure each day on roads and public transport systems.
A survey of about 6500 university commuters has found relatively high numbers walk, cycle or catch buses, trains or ferries to classes.
Only 25 per cent of students surveyed said they drove to university or caught lifts in cars, compared with 46 per cent who took buses, 8 per cent who used trains, 15 per cent who walked or ran and 2 per cent who cycled. Car drivers and passengers were in the minority even among staff members, accounting for 43 per cent of these.
Planners will provide incentives to encourage even more people to take public transport, by making it more convenient and affordable.
The travel plan suggests siting more student accommodation near universities or public transport, encouraging students to submit assignments by email, and installing teleconferencing facilities.
Another focus is on the cost of public transport, which the transport authority promises to address as it develops a seamless ticketing system across the region.
"Tertiary arrangements will be considered as part of a wider review including discounts and alternative payment methods for multiple trips and semester tickets," the plan says.
Other proposals include improvements to walkways, promotion of carpooling and reviews of speed limits through the university area.
