| dc.description.abstract | The goal of our research was to increase knowledge and understanding of how Dalhousie University
students commute to and from Studley Campus, with a focus on the socio-economic factors that
influence their choices. This particular focus was chosen because few pieces of literature and research
focus on the socio-economic factors influencing transportation habits. Our project aims to fill a gap in
both literature and public knowledge. Transportation is one of the main causes of greenhouse gas
emissions on university campuses (Klein-Banai & Theis, 2011). Therefore by reducing unsustainable
transportation, methods which produce high levels of greenhouse gases, universities campuses can
become more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint. Understanding these factors is an
important step in moving towards a more environmentally focused campus. Knowing why students use
the methods of transportation that they do as well as the reasons behind it can allow for the University
to implement positive changes and promote increased sustainable transportation.
Through our research we recommend that Dalhousie University takes initiative into encouraging
students to use more sustainable methods of transportation. This could be through improvement of
existing infrastructure that encourages sustainable transit methods, such improving and expanding
upon bike lanes. Our research indicated that environmental factors do not act as a main influence to
students transportation habits. Consequently, in order to promote more sustainable choice of
transportation habits, factors that were shown to influence students’ actions including time and distance
of commute, cost, and reliability must be focused on.
Furthermore, the conducted research could inform improvements of transportation options across the
city of Halifax. Our research shows that a high percentage of students rely on public transportation in
their commutes despite many appearing dissatisfied with the service. By utilizing this knowledge of use,
combined with the factors that individuals prioritize and value when selecting their transit method the
Municipality can increase choice-ridership and better serve public transit users.
Overall, this study aims to provide information on the factors that influence students in their choice of
transportation in commuting to and from Dalhousie. Through our focus on the socio-economic factors
that influence these decisions, we aim to fill a gap in the available literature and intend to provide
information that can improve the available methods of transportation on Dalhousie’s campuses. | en_US |
