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FAQs

Travel Plan

Question: What is a Travel Plan and why do the University have to produce one?

Answer: A Travel Plan is a package of measures aimed at promoting sustainable travel, with an emphasis on reducing reliance on single occupancy car travel.  Any new planning applications that the University wishes to submit now requires a travel plan to be submitted.  The University is also committed to promoting sustainable travel options to the University community, as part of the overall aim to be a sustainable institution.

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Walking

Question: How long will it take me to walk from home to the University?

Answer: That will depend on where you live and how fast you walk. A general guide is that a decent walking pace is 4mph. Anything up to 2 miles away will therefore be covered in under 30 minutes. If you live over 2 miles away you might want to consider cycling instead.

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Cycling

Question: How long will it take me to cycle from home to the University?
Answer: Again this depends on how far away you live and how fast you cycle. A moderate pace on a bicycle is 12mph which means anything up to 6 miles away will be covered within 30 minutes.

Question: Isn't it too cold and wet in Aberdeen to cycle?
Answer: No, many staff and students already cycle to the University on a regular basis. It's like any other mode of transport, if you prepare for the conditions you'll be fine - wear a waterproof and fit mudguards to stay dry. Remember, you don't have to cycle every day - you can cycle when it's nice weather and take a car, bus, walk or whatever else the rest of the time. Even if you only cycle one day a week you'll feel fitter and be healthier and will have reduced your car use for commuting by 20%.

Question: Won't I arrive at work all sweaty?
Answer: Possibly - it depends on how hard you're pushing yourself. If you do arrive in need of a freshen up there are showering and changing facilities available around campus for both staff and students. You can find out more on the facilities for cyclists page.

Question: Where can I store my bike on campus?
Answer: There are various locations around campus which can be found on the cycling facilities map.

Question: How do I get a cycle locker?
Answer:  Complete and return a cycle locker application form.

Question: Where can I get more information about cycling in Aberdeen? Answer: You can contact the Travel Plan Co-ordinator using the Contact Us page or speak to Louise Napier at Aberdeen City Council on 01224 523327 or LNAPIER@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

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Public Transport

Question: Where can I get bus timetables?
Answer: You can get a listing of all First bus timetables by logging on to www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/scotland/nescot/home/index.php, or you can call BUSline on 01224 650065.  There is also a First Travel Centre at 47 Union Street, Aberdeen, which is open 0845 – 1730 Monday to Saturday.

Stagecoach/Bluebird bus timetables can be obtained from the website: www.stagecoachbus.com/Timetable.html.  Alternatively you can contact Stagecoach Bluebird by calling them on (01224) 212266 or by email eastscotland@stagecoachbus.com

If you are unsure which bus service you require and would like more information then you can contact Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or log on to www.traveline.org.uk.

Question: How do I find out about bus routes?
Answer: There are maps available on our public transport Maps page or you use Traveline to find out about routes. (0870 608 2 608 or log on to www.traveline.org.uk)

Question: Where can I find out about train routes and times?
Answer: The National Rail website provides a simple to use website that allows you to check train times and routes as well as check the availability of tickets and book online. Visit www.nationalrail.co.uk

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Car

Question: Where can I park at the University?
Answer: To park on campus you must have a valid permit. These can be obtained from the Estates department, (01224) 272062, for Old Aberdeen or by filling in an Application Form for Foresterhill. Once you have a permit you can park in the car parks shown on the relevant campus map.

Question: Does a permit guarantee me a parking space?
Answer: No, a permit entitles you to park in an available space but does not guarantee one.

Question: I keep hearing rumours about car parking charges - what's going on?
Answer: The University cannot continue to provide free parking since the number of people wishing to park now exceeds the number of spaces we have available. It is therefore assessing how car parking at its sites could be better controlled to maximise the resources that we have available and encourage more sustainable modes of travel. The process will take time and will involve consultation and approval of the new car parking policy before any changes to current policy are made.

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Car Sharing

Question: I'm a bit nervous about putting my details online - what protection is there to prevent people viewing my personal details?
Answer: When you register on the University's car share scheme various details are gathered so that you can be matched appropriately and contacted when a suitable car share BUDi is found. Not all your details will be made public. Only the bare minimum of details will be made available to other users and your personal contact details will not be given out - you will always be contacted via the car share scheme.

Question: What happens if I work flexible hours or work part-time?
Answer: You can still share your journey by using the University Car Sharing Scheme to find someone that does similar hours to you. Alternatively you can share your journey coming in to work and use public transport, or another car share partner, to get home.

Question: Can I still car share if I don't have a car?
Answer: Yes, the University Car Sharing Scheme provides matches for those who wish to offer, share or obtain a lift.

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