Transportation & Mobility

Goal:

Residents benefit from convenient and reliable transit and an expanded on-campus mobility network (e.g. shared bike programs and cycling infrastructure) that prioritizes active and sustainable modes for people of all ages and abilities. These initiatives better support residents in ensuring they get to where they need to go comfortably and safely, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Targets

By 2035, per capita transportation emissions are reduced by at least 25% from 2022 levels, supported by:

  • UBC neighbourhood contributions to overall campus target of at least 66% of trips to and from UBC made by walking, cycling, rolling or transit.
  • 12% of residents’ light-duty vehicles are zero emissions vehicles.

By 2050, 100% of trips by UBC neighbourhood residents are made by walking, cycling, rolling, zero emission transit or zero emission vehicles

Waterfall diagram
Net-zero emissions pathway for Transportation & Mobility. (Click to open in a new tab)

Transportation & Mobility

Highlights of Progress to Date

  • 40-50% of neighbourhood homes are lived in by UBC students, faculty, or staff helping reduce travel for daily life.
  • Mandatory EV charging infrastructure in new buildings (REAP) and public EV charging stations in Wesbrook Place.
  • Residential Environmental Assessment Program (REAP) requires developers contribute to a low carbon development fund to support low carbon mobility and REAP research projects.
  • Advanced bike storage requirements for new buildings (REAP).
  • Bike share expansion, including the launch of UBC’s on-campus dockless program (HOPR) in 2019 and expansion of the City of Vancouver’s dock-based program (Mobi) in 2024.
  • New rapid bus service (route R4) along 41st Avenue in 2020 and transit priority along segments of Wesbrook Mall (2019 & 2020).

Action Highlights

🟩 high impact mitigation   🟦 high impact adaptation

Selected key actions are summarized below. To see the full detailed list of actions, please refer to the NCAP action matrix located in the Documents and Resources page.

  • Continue to plan and advocate for SkyTrain. Plan for an expanded and upgraded intra-campus transit network including more frequent and convenient shuttle service.
  • Support transition to zero emissions vehicles by expanding public EV charging infrastructure, including dedicated charging for car share, and providing resources to support retrofits of EV charging stations in existing buildings. 🟩
  • Plan for resilient, safe and expanded active transportation networks, including sidewalks, connected greenways, and cycling routes through updates to UBC’s Transportation Plan and Neighbourhood Plans.
  • Expand bike share and car share programs.
  • Expand and enhance cycling routes, sidewalks and transit stops to support safe and resilient transportation networks (e.g. have shaded and covered shelters at public transit facilities, shading along walking and cycling routes and public misting stations). 🟦
  • Design transit-oriented neighbourhoods to support increased transit ridership, convenience and access.

These will continue across the horizon of the plan.

  • Prepare for the arrival of SkyTrain on campus and establish an expanded and upgraded intra-campus transit network. 🟩

Actions in this scope area will also help deliver the following co-benefits:

  • Affordability: reducing the costs associated with taking climate action
  • Community Connection: supporting opportunities for community interaction and connection
  • Health & Wellbeing: improving health and wellbeing conditions for community members
  • Access for All: making it easier for everyone to access spaces, information, processes, or programs
  • Climate Leadership: highlighting where UBC is leading climate action policy
  • Academic Connection: providing opportunity for research connections with UBC’s academic community

Actions You Can Take

  • Use public transportation.
  • Consider low carbon options for errands and shorter trips (e.g. cargo bikes or e-bike share).
  • Undertake retrofits to establish EV charging in existing buildings.
  • Consider purchasing a zero emissions vehicle or using zero emissions car share.

Equity Considerations

  • When setting parking policy and planning neighbourhood design, consider needs of people dependent on cars for accessibility purposes.
  • Design roads to prioritize comfort and safety of our most vulnerable road users. Enhancing mobility for them will benefit all.
  • Include feedback and look for opportunities to collaborate with persons with disabilities and vulnerable residents in transportation network design.
Explore More
Bike Share Programs
Take advantage of bike share programs to help you travel to, from and around campus and sign up for discounts exclusively for the UBC community.
https://planning.ubc.ca/bikeshare
Campus Vision 2050: Connected Campus
The Vision prioritizes more active and sustainable modes over less sustainable modes (single occupancy vehicles, ride-hailing, taxi, etc.), while ensuring the safety and comfort of more vulnerable road users.
/vision/connected-campus
Transportation Plan
The UBC Transportation Plan outlines the direction of transportation goals, policies and projects on the ground at UBC.
/transportation/transportation-planning/ubc-transportation-plan