Learn about the different transport options for getting to the University below.
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Cycling
Cycling has to be the best way to get to UC. Currently 20% of staff and students choose cycling as their main mode of transport. Check out all the services and facilities on campus to support our cyclists.
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Cycling
Cycling has to be the best way to get to UC. Currently 20% of staff and students choose cycling as their main mode of transport. Check out all the services and facilities on campus to support our cyclists.
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Cycling
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Buses and public transport
Currently 14% of staff and students choose the bus as their main mode of transport to and from UC. There are buses running every few minutes from plenty of stops around campus. From bus routes to putting your bike on the bus, find out about taking buses and public transport to get to UC.
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Buses and public transport
Currently 14% of staff and students choose the bus as their main mode of transport to and from UC. There are buses running every few minutes from plenty of stops around campus. From bus routes to putting your bike on the bus, find out about taking buses and public transport to get to UC.
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Buses and public transport
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Walking
Walking provides the ultimate level of freedom. With no parking hassles or road rage, it's the easiest way to get some good cardiovascular exercise. It also improves circulation and your immune system, which will give you and your mind a natural lift! Check out UC walking routes.
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Walking
Walking provides the ultimate level of freedom. With no parking hassles or road rage, it's the easiest way to get some good cardiovascular exercise. It also improves circulation and your immune system, which will give you and your mind a natural lift! Check out UC walking routes.
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Walking
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Carpooling to campus
Carpooling has heaps of benefits. First widely used in the oil-shock 70's, carpooling is back as a social, practical way to reduce costs and emissions when travelling by car. Find out about carpooling to campus.
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Carpooling to campus
Carpooling has heaps of benefits. First widely used in the oil-shock 70's, carpooling is back as a social, practical way to reduce costs and emissions when travelling by car. Find out about carpooling to campus.
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Carpooling to campus
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Driving
In New Zealand, about 44% of our total energy is used transporting us around. While driving a private car is convenient, sometimes it isn't always the best form of transport, especially with the cost of running a vehicle. Cars aren't always the fastest way to commute either. Learn more about driving to and from UC.
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Driving
In New Zealand, about 44% of our total energy is used transporting us around. While driving a private car is convenient, sometimes it isn't always the best form of transport, especially with the cost of running a vehicle. Cars aren't always the fastest way to commute either. Learn more about driving to and from UC.
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Driving
Transitioning to more sustainable transport
Moving to more sustainable transport in and around our campuses is part of UC’s carbon reduction goals. There are many options to get you to and around our three main campuses, which are all pedestrian, cycle, skateboarding and wheelchair friendly. Biking, walking or bussing are all more sustainable options compared to driving, and by choosing a more sustainable option you’ll save time and money on travel, reduce your emissions, and encourage investment in improved public services. And if you still have to drive regularly, try carpooling or try and use another form of transport once a week (the northern motorway has a dedicated carpooling lane, every bit helps!).
Currently, 15% of staff and students use public transport, 21% cycle, 19% walk, 1% skate/scoot and 1% use a moped as their main form of travel to and from UC.
UC Transport Survey
Since 1966, the University of Canterbury has conducted a survey into the travel habits of all students and staff. Read the results from the 2020 Travel Survey here. The Travel Survey was conducted again in 2024, and you can now read the 2024 Travel Survey Report.
UC’s 2022 – 2030 Sustainability Plan outlines organisational sustainable commuting targets that we aim to achieve for different modes of travel. The results from the 2024 Travel Survey show that we have already surpassed the 2030 targets for cycling and bussing and are close for other modes. These are great achievements that we aim to continue improving on. Following the results of the 2024 survey, and in preparation for the 2028 survey, we are reviewing our future targets set for 2030.
UC Sustainable Transport Reference Group
Sustainable transport planning for UC is guided by a Sustainable Transport Reference Group which consists of representatives of a range of different stakeholders with an interest in sustainable transport and the university.
A UC Sustainable Transport Plan is currently being developed, aiming to be released in the near future.
