Thursday 06-05-2021 - 10:59

I have been working with the University lately regarding the University’s Sustainable Travel Plan and I just wanted to make sure that all students are aware of the facilities, plans and discounts that we have put in place for you guys as Students of GCU.

The University’s travel plan closely reflects the guidance and resources put together by Transport Scotland. In essence, it encourages students and staff to:

•    Walk or cycle, whenever possible
•    Plan ahead using public transport
•    Avoid peak times while driving

Walking/Cycling

Don’t have access to a bike? NextBike is a public bike hire service that offers GCU staff and students half-priced memberships. For £30 a year, you can access 650 bikes at numerous bike stations across the city. There’s one right across the University, next to Sainsbury’s. You can also take advantage of the Scotland Cycling Repair Scheme to book in and get free repairs. Just click the link and find the nearest participating bike shop or mechanic!

Sustrans, the national charity for walking and cycling, can help you to plan your journey. You will be able to view maps detailing paths and routes from your location to the University. CycleStreets is a similar tool that can be used to plan a cycling journey in Glasgow. All you have to do is to enter your starting point and your destination point, which is G4 0BA for Glasgow Caledonian University.

Due to the pandemic, the government has also launched Spaces For People to provide extra spaces for walking, cycling and wheeling residents, considering the social distancing regulations put in place.

Public Transport

We have negotiated a 40% discount for you Students on using Citylink Coaches and Travel. Just register using this link and your details.

GCU Students’ Association has partnered with Glasgow Taxis to help GCU Students get home safely in any situation they are unable to fund their travel home. If you find yourself in this situation, you will be able to repay Glasgow Taxis whenever your position permits. All you need to do is call Glasgow Taxis and let them know that you’re a GCU Student and wish to use the Get Home Safe Scheme, confirm your Student ID with your drive and they will get you home for up to a value of £20. For more information, visit here.

Driving and Parking

GCU Students and Staff can get discounts on renting Electric Vehicles by emailing the University’s Transport Office or using the Enterprise Car Club. GCU also features charging ports at Campus which are located past the arches on the east side of the Charles Oakley building, just before the entrance to the mailroom. For more information, visit the how-to guide at this link.

While the University does not provide parking for students, there are arrangements with City Parking (Glasgow) in place. To qualify for the reduced prices, tickets are required to be validated by the ticket machine in the Security Office in the William Harley building of GCU.

The following are the reduced prices of Car Parks near the Glasgow Campus of GCU:

•    Cambridge Street – £8/day
•    Concert Square – £7/day
•    Dundas Street – £7/day

With that said, I have been working with the University to look at further options made available for Students driving to campus for essential reasons so there can be some updates soon.

I hope you all found this helpful. If you have any questions please shoot them towards me right away at adil.rahoo@gcu.ac.uk :) 

Regards,
Adil Rahoo
Vice-President Glasgow School of Business and Society.