Staff cycling around campus

Considering greener travel options

Campus parking went digital in October 2024.

Whilst this transition has enhanced user experience through making parking safer, with cameras monitoring vehicle number plates, and more convenient, by replacing paper permits with a digital alternative, driving has its drawbacks for people and the planet.  

It’s estimated that commuting to, and from, campus made up 9% of the University’s carbon footprint in 2018-19.  According to feedback from our 2023 PS Places survey, approximately 44.2% of staff get to work by car, 39.6% via public transport (18.2% by bus, 21.4% by train) and 16.2% use other means, such as walking (6.7%) or cycling (8.5%). 

Consider changing the way you commute to help reduce the negative impact on our planet that driving can have; time to consider greener ways to travel.

A commitment to sustainable transport 

The University is committed to supporting staff and students in getting to campus via safe and sustainable means.  

As well as doing your bit for the environment, exploring new commuting options could have personal benefits for you, too, like saving money, improving health, and reducing stress.  

Jump on the train 

Using public transport can get you to campus quickly and sustainably. Trains run directly to the Falmer train station from Brighton, Lewes, Seaford, Eastbourne, and Hastings. 

Did you know that Sussex staff can get a 15% discount on Southern Rail services through the Easit Scheme? Students get one-third off train travel with a 16-25 Railcard and they can also apply for the Unizone ticket, for unlimited travel at a discount. 

Hop on the bus 

Commuting by bus is easy and reliable, with single tickets from or to Brighton costing £3. Plus, Brighton & Hove Buses offer fare discounts. Day passes under the CitySAVER option on the Brighton & Hove Buses mobile app cost £4.40 for students, for example. Under this option, students can also get a 60-minute ticket for £3.40.

Read more about staff discounts on public transport.   

Ride to campus 

Why not combine exercise with your daily commute by participating in the Cycle to Work Scheme? Choose a bike or accessories, then rent them through salary deduction. 

Also, Beryl BTN Bikes relaunched in March 2024, with 780 bikes (60% e-bikes) and 104 hubs across Brighton & Hove. Have you spotted the hubs outside Bramber House and the Sports Centre? Remember, students and staff get 25% off!

Walk, it’s free 

Walking to campus can be easy if you live close by – just a short stroll from Coldean and 30 minutes from Lewes Road.

Enjoy the benefits of low-impact exercise, boost your fitness, and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Embrace the fresh air and transform your commute into a healthy habit – weather permitting! 

Carshare

If you have no other option but driving, consider carpooling with a colleague. It could reduce commute time, by reducing the number of cars on the road, helping to ease traffic congestion and, with fewer cars needing parking spaces on campus at the same time, carpooling could reduce parking time.

As a result, sharing a car with colleagues could benefit the environment by decreasing emissions, whilst extending your car’s life by putting less mileage on it. 

Reduce the impact of your driving by joining The Sustainable Sussex Car Benefit Scheme. This scheme offers staff affordable electric and plug-in hybrid cars to support lower-carbon commuting. Easit also offers a car share function for eco-friendly commuting.  

Monika Farkas, Sustainable Travel Advisor, said: “I want to stress the importance of rethinking how we travel to campus. I'm here to help you with travel planning and provide information on transport options, discounts, the Cycle to Work buddy up group I’m working on, and more. Together, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and support the University’s sustainability goals.” 

Make it happen 

Explore different travel options to boost your health, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint. Download the BetterPoints app to earn points and redeem rewards at your favourite shops.

Find out more about sustainable travel, and the perks available, and keep an eye out for the outcomes of the 2024 travel survey, which will be announced later this term.