Canterbury Christ Church University

Canterbury Christ Church University
Location: Medway/Canterbury

Background

For over 50 years, Canterbury Christ Church University has been an integral part of the Kent community, dedicated to empowering individuals through education. Partnering since 2010, National Express Transport Solutions has been instrumental in facilitating the university's mission. The collaboration culminated in the inception of a shuttle service from the East Kent depot in September 2019, catering to the diverse mobility needs of over 13,500 passengers annually.

The Challenge:

Canterbury Christ Church University spans multiple sites across Canterbury, including the main campus, student and staff facilities, library, and sports centre. With a growing need for seamless intra-campus transportation, a reliable shuttle service was indispensable, especially during term time.

Our Transport Solution:

National Express Transport Solutions rose to the challenge, implementing a comprehensive shuttle service from the East Kent depot. Sixteen return shuttles operated daily, Monday to Friday, from 08:00 to 18:10, ensuring convenient access for students and staff. Continuous monitoring through daily passenger reports enabled fine-tuning of services, including optimising timings and vehicle capacity. Branded coaches with clear visual signage ensured easy identification and enhanced user experience throughout the day.

Environmental Impact:

In addition to enhancing connectivity, the partnership between Canterbury Christ Church University and National Express Transport Solutions has yielded significant environmental benefits. By transitioning to a shuttle service, the university has not only reduced its carbon footprint but also championed sustainability within the educational landscape.

Key Achievements:

During the 2018/2019 academic year, the shuttle service facilitated between 18,000 to 22,000 rides annually, averaging 380-460 rides per week.

Environmental savings during this period include:

518.1 tonnes of emissions saved compared to conventional car usage (Diesel & Petrol average).

329.8 tonnes of emissions saved compared to Hybrid cars.

30.7 tonnes of emissions saved compared to Electric cars.

29.7 tonnes of emissions saved compared to National Rail.

Conclusion:

Through strategic collaboration and innovative transportation solutions, Canterbury Christ Church University and National Express Transport Solutions have not only improved accessibility across campuses but also set a benchmark in sustainable mobility. By prioritising environmental stewardship alongside operational efficiency, this partnership exemplifies the transformative potential of public-private initiatives in shaping a greener, more connected future for educational institutions and their communities.