Tackling the challenge of climate change and the need for better urban mobility requires the promotion of sustainable transport modes across New Zealand. Research conducted through this project extends the literature on student and staff travel behaviours and contributes to overall sustainable transport barriers and enablers. Additionally, it contributes to academic discourse revolving around urban form, transport choices, demographics, and accessibility. A mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods was used to explore the challenges and opportunities of creating a more sustainable transport community while factoring in demographics, location, and opportunities for working with external partners.

This study found that external constraints and complicated lives will continue to dictate transport choice until systems are feasible, safe, convenient, and quick. The integration of push-pull factors into policy approaches by the university will help create some incentives for car drivers to switch to more sustainable modes. However, local authorities need to collaborate to help create an environment that facilitates a modal shift. Parking charges continue to be a means of discouragement. However, policy regarding this method needs to factor in disability issues and those with no other transport method based on location. Overall findings suggest that providing incentives and outside collaboration may encourage staff and students to consider changing to a more sustainable commute mode. Additionally, if time and distance factors are considered, particularly regarding public transport, it is more efficient to encourage greater participation. However, realising substantial mode shift will depend on Christchurch and UC’s ability to provide feasible and efficient sustainable alternatives to driving a car.