Sustainable Travel
The Oxford Brookes Travel Plan 2010-2015, superseding the existing Sustainable Travel Plans, and aims to reduce the University's dependence on the private car by encouraging staff, students and visitors to use more sustainable modes of transport.
The Travel Plan consists of four key elements:
- developing and improving transport alternatives to the car and encouraging the use of these
- managing car parking and car use
- Reducing the overall transport generated carbon emissions produced by the University
- improving associated policy measures
The Plan is self-funded by parking fees, and it and its predecessor have, over the last ten years, succeeded in encouraging more members of staff and students to walk to work, share cars and use bicycles.
The Travel Plan is a revised and improved version of the original Green Commuter Plan, which received several awards and has been used throughout the higher education sector as an example of good practice.
To read the Sustainable Travel Plan in full, see the Sustainability pages.
Brookes and transport
The Vision which underpins our travel plan is:
"For Oxford Brookes University to have a culture of sustainable travel embedded throughout the University; for everyone to be actively involved in reducing their transport emissions and to expect the same level of provision for sustainable travel at their future places of study/ workplaces."
We've been working hard for over ten years to reduce the University's dependence on the private car. We updated our Sustainable Travel Plan in 20011 and our working group, along with representatives from across the University; ensure that we stay on the right track. Using money from car park fees, we buy new equipment and resources for those travelling in a more sustainable way.
Parking is really limited on all of our campuses and even having a permit doesn't guarantee you a space. To make it easy for you to get to us, we've made sure that you have good public transport and cycling facilities. For more information on parking, click here, guests can find more information about how to reach us by public transport here.
What can I do?
There are many ways to travel to our campuses. Help visitors and new starters use public transport and our facilities to their advantage by directing them to the right part of our website.
Cycling
As well as being a cheap and enjoyable way to get around, cycling can help you stay healthy. We've installed cycle parking and showers on all sites to make it easier (and more desirable) for you to cycle to our sites.
- Visit our cycling website for more information about cycling at Brookes or visit one of Oxford's many cycle shops to buy new gear or get your bike fixed.
- Staff can use our Cyclescheme to buy a tax free bike (this means you get a third off the price of a new one)! You can find out more details here.
- We keep a stock of Oxford cycle and walking maps in the main receptions of each campus and the John Payne building on Gipsy Lane for those of you who are worried about losing your way. If you really don't want to cycle in, how about a Brookes Key?
- Problems with your bike? Visit the Bike Doctor, our regular cycle surgery to help keep you on the road. Visit our cycle pages for next dates and locations.
- Remember Staff can claim 20p a mile for Bicycle Business Millage
Public transport
You may have seen our Brookesbuses around the city. They link all Brookes' campuses and halls of residences to the city centre and run until early in the mornings; as late as 3am to Wheatley on Saturdays. Your Brookes key smart card is a quick and easy ticketing system; make sure you place it on the sensor when you get on.
For more information on timetables and to top up your Brookes key, visit brookesbus.org.
Liftshare (Brookes Car Sharing Service)
Getting to campus isn’t always simple. For staff and students that have to drive to Brookes, why not join the Liftshare Service. The website makes it easier for you to co-ordinate lifts with others. If you’ve got a spare seat in your car, or you’d like to connect with others who do, the site will help you. Simply follow the instructions and register your details to get started.
Car-sharing is a great way of meeting new people, or getting to know your colleagues and fellow students better. It can also save you money, cutting down on the amount you spend on petrol and parking. And it has a positive impact on the local area too, reducing air pollution and congestion.
Join up now to get involved - the service is free, and it is your choice whether you would like to share only with Brookes staff and/or students, or with others from outside of Brookes.
Staff loans
Through the Sustainable Travel Plan, Oxford Brookes University is offering interest-free loans for bicycle purchase and for public transport season tickets. Terms and conditions and an application form are available on the intranet.
Transport facts at brookes
- Did you know that between 39% and 58% of our students travel to campus by Brookes Bus?
- Around 300 staff have already signed up to our Cyclescheme. You can also claim mileage for any University business-related travel you use your bike for.
- Don't want your bike to get wet? We've even got bike garages site for you to use. Just click here for more information.
