Evaluating the significance of travel plans in shaping commuting practices within the university sector in Greater Manchester

Tang, J

Abstract

The commute is often thought of as a mundane activity, an activity done so regularly that it fades into insignificance. Lost in the hustle and bustle of the modern city is a practice done almost daily that has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve public health. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of travel plans in promoting and encouraging sustainable travel behaviours in Greater Manchester’s university sector. To achieve the aim this study will use practice theory to explore the effects of university travel plans on the commuting habits of students and staff of the University of Manchester, University of Salford and Manchester Metropolitan University. The three Greater Manchester Universities were chosen for this research due to their close proximity to Manchester City Centre and their large student and staff populations. Using focus groups as the primary method for collecting qualitative data, the study examined the factors that generate commuting habits and whether the university travel plans are able to create a shift towards more sustainable transportation systems. This thesis will also draw to attention the challenges and barriers to sustainable and active transport in order to produce a set of recommendations for future iterations of travel plans that might “nudge” commuters onto more sustainable forms of transport. The thesis has found no two universities or workplaces are exactly the same, therefore each travel plan has to be unique and a “one plan fits all” approach is improbable. But universities share the trait of having the power to influence and promote policies which are more adept at meeting the needs of the site users and promoting sustainable commuting practices.

Citation

Tang, J. (in press). Evaluating the significance of travel plans in shaping commuting practices within the university sector in Greater Manchester. (Dissertation). The University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Dissertation
• Acceptance Date: Mar 29, 2019
• Deposit Date: Apr 4, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: May 4, 2019
• Award Date: Jun 1, 2018