Strategic Transport

The University of New England aims to focus on the development and implementation of sustainable transport initiatives that will address the University’s transport needs over the next 10 years and beyond. This will include incorporating people and vehicular movement to, from and within the Armidale campus with a view to regularly monitor and update new facilities to be integrated into University's campus living.

The University will introduce specific measures to reduce and off-set emissions attributable to travel practices of students, staff and other members of the UNE community. One key area which UNE is focusing on is reducing and offsetting emissions from staff air travel to and from the University's motor vehicle fleet.

Providing sustainable transport options for students and staff fosters a healthy lifestyle. Reducing traffic congestion and relieving parking pressure are key sustainability goals for the University. These goals are being met by providing diverse and effective options for transport.

Sustainable Transport Planning

The University's main priority will be focusing on:

  • Progressive upgrades of campus road network access to address the safety and congestion in traffic movements;
  • Upgrades to the campus infrastructure nominated in the UNE Campus Masterplan to accommodate non-motorised travel activity;
  • Development of precincts where pedestrians and cyclists will have priority over cars;
  • Introduction of shuttle bus system as a practical way to connect to all campus locations along with student demand; and
  • Collaboration with regional private and regulatory bodies in regards to the improvements to public transport service delivery to the Campus.

The University will prioritise a stem of recommendations addressing existing deficiencies and provide new facilities that allow campus users to move to and from the campus while addressing the key issues for transport and environmental sustainability. These recommendations will be collated into a prioritised program and its timeframe of delivery will be dependent on the funding programs available to the University where there is a requirement for a particular facility linked to a development threshold or outcome. This is elaborated further in the University's Strategic Transport Management Plan.

Public Transport

The University’s main campus is supported by the public bus network is available for people to access campus precincts. It is accessed at the Elm Avenue on the Campus as well as regular route stops on the external road system (such as Ring and Trevenna Roads).

During the trimesters, Safety and Security's shuttle bus service operates from 7 pm which picks up students from the Dixson Library, the Law Library and the Northern Carpark and transports them to the Armidale City via the residential colleges. The service travels a specified route via the colleges to Queen Elizabeth Drive/Donnelly Street; to Faulkner Street past the Police Station; then to Barney Street past Smith House.

There is an opportunity to shape future campus projects and accommodate the development of a shuttle bus corridor that has the ability to allow the campus to connect. Investigation of such a corridor could include prospects of interchange and accommodate student demands which would present the opportunity to improve travel times to and from and across the campus. Some of the solutions may include:

  • Investigate opportunities for a transit corridor to provide central access to bus services within the Campus;
  • Introduce shuttle bus as a practical way to connect to all campus locations along with student demand;
  • Improve and relocate bus stops throughout the campus; and
  • Collaborate with Armidale Dumaresq Council and Edwards Coaches in regards to the improvements to public transport service delivery to the Campus.

Cycling

The cycling network consists of a single shared, off-road bike path which starts from Dumaresq St, Armidale, and connects with the Wright’s Village and then all the way to the Elm Avenue. Elm Avenue provides a link to the Academic Campus via a pedestrian footpath, and cycleway separately. In addition, there is a Madgwick Drive bike lane that connects the rest of the Academic Campus.

Due to the limited bike network (no connectivity between Madgwick Dr and the northern part of the campus via Clarke’s Road), cyclists are therefore often faced with a choice of riding on the shared path along the Booloominbah Drive. For more information please refer to the Cycle Way Map [.pdf 1.7MB] that illustrates Bike Lanes and Cyclist Paths throughout Armidale and onto the University.

In 2012 the University introduced the ‘E-bike’ scheme to provide students with access to a fleet of 100 electric bicycles, thus providing cost-effective and environmentally sustainable transport alternatives whilst on campus. The program was heavily dependent on the necessary infrastructure (such as secure storage, recharge areas, and bicycle rack’ facilities) within the academic precinct. For more information on the UNE E-Bike scheme, this can be accessed through Sport UNE ebikes web page.

The cycling infrastructure at the University consists of a number of bike racks distributed widely across the Campus. Most of these bike racks vary significantly in design, functionality and their storage capacity. Some bike racks can accommodate only one bike others multiple bikes. For more information see Cycling Infrastructure Map.

Provision of more campus cycle paths to complete a local cycle network with readily accessible trip end facilities is considered essential to providing a basic service level and to encourage more people to cycle.  These deficiencies will increase the traffic congestion should the University adopt more relaxed approach towards higher growth in student numbers and without car intervention. The University is seeking to:

  • Upgrade and construct paths along the campus spines;
  • Collaborate with the Armidale Dumaresq Council over-investment into local cycle network to better connect the town with the University;
  • Complete an audit of trip end facilities available to both students and staff; and
  • Equip major campus hubs (such as Union Complex) with secure bike storage, secure lockers for cycling; equipment, shower facilities, and mechanic shop/workspace. This may be organised by either FMS or SportUNE and should cater for 50 bikes per hub with space to expand along with growth in demand.

environmental-signWalking

The University has a reasonable path network providing capacity for ongoing growth. Future development on campus should allow for appropriate pedestrian connectivity to faculties and facilities to further reinforce walking as an appropriate mode of travel within the campus. Some of the solutions may include:

  • Pedestrian activity focused on an Active Transport Zone where walking and cycling have priority over cars;
  • Upgrades particularly to the campus spines nominated in the UNE Campus Masterplan;
  • Improved lighting (following a full audit of all paths);
  • Introduction of consistent wayfinding signage; and
  • Path improvement program to focus on areas of highest demand.

Roads and Parking

This network includes the New England Highway (NEH), Madgwick Drive (that feeds into Clarkes, Trevenna Roads), and Elm Avenue (that feeds into Madgwick Drive and Trevenna Road). The northern and northeastern and eastern boundary of the campus is accessible via Clarke’s Road with the Lauredale Research Station forming a barrier at these boundaries. To the south-east, the site is constrained by the Toombs Research Station. The south-western boundary is constrained by the Trevenna Research Station with the only available point of access being the interchange with Elm Avenue.

The University holds approximately 3400 parking bays dispersed throughout the campus of which approximately 3000 are controlled via parking permits. These parking bays are dispersed across 22 at-grade carparks and are regulated through The University of New England Restricted Parking Areas (NERPA). NERPA stipulates the requirements for the various parking permits available to staff, students and visitors. There is an educated assumption that students hold two-thirds of all permits for blue bay parking, with the remaining one third held by the University staff. For specific information about University parking, please visit UNE Parking.

The University will aim to balance the demand for parking exceeds supply at peak times, particularly during the orientations, intensive schools, exams, and special events. It is also expected that the introduction of shuttle bus will reduce the University travel costs to on-campus students, reduce congestion during peak travel times, as well as reduce the parking demand for parking.