A subsidised bus service at University of St Andrews and operated by Stagecoach saved staff and students £328,000 in its first six months, according to the operator.
It extends a long partnership which had already seen students received discounted travel for many years, while employees were able to benefit from 2019. Last year, a new scheme was developed to offer 75% off seven-day, four-week or flexible tickets bought via the Stagecoach Bus app.
The partners say the initiative has reduced car journeys within the east Scotland town and led to an average saving of 6,374 kgCO2e (kilogrammes of carbon dioxide equivalent) per month.
The University’s Chief Operating Officer, Quaestor and Factor Derek Watson says: “The University takes social responsibility very seriously; we understand both the financial pressures facing our students and staff during this cost-of-living crisis and the urgent need to do what we can to tackle the climate crisis and meet net-zero targets.
“Over the course of the last six months, the University has invested almost £220,000 to support this discount scheme, ensuring staff and students, those not eligible for the Scottish Government’s free travel scheme for the under-22s, can access low-cost public transport. We continue to look at ways of providing support including other forms of travel as well.
“The scheme has also helped us cut around 7.5% of our commuting footprint for staff. When we add on the reduced travel from home working, we may actually be making great progress towards our target of 40% saving in this area.”
