UWA has partnered with RAC to launch a new multi-mode transport service – making it the first university in WA to offer a broad range of convenient and environmentally friendly ways to get around campus.

The 12-month ‘Whoosh’ trial provides hire access to affordable transport solutions, including traditional pushbikes, innovative e-bikes and car share vehicles.

Students, staff and campus visitors are able to access the new technologies from six mobility hubs located strategically across the University’s Perth, Nedlands and QEII campuses.

UWA’s Director of Campus Management, Trevor Humphreys said the trial was part of a number of initiatives that aimed to create a more clean, green and sustainable campus.

“We are extremely excited to be working with RAC to introduce the Whoosh trial that is primarily focused on how we can get students, staff and visitors moving around UWA’s campuses in a more efficient and effective way,” Mr Humphreys said.

“Partnering with RAC to establish the Whoosh trial is a small component of our overall Campus Masterplan, which will explore how the UWA campus can be improved and enhanced as the needs of our community evolve.

RAC Chief Operating Officer Mark Weller said by offering a variety of mobility options for on-and-off campus use, the trial aimed to better understand the evolving nature of transport in Western Australia.

“As part of our focus on creating more connected, liveable and sustainable communities, this trial is a new opportunity for RAC to explore the changing mobility landscape,” Mr Weller said.

“It’s an important step toward better understanding the transport challenges Western Australians are facing, and what some potential solutions might be.”

UWA Student Guild President Bre Shanahan said the introduction of Whoosh would make life on campus a lot easier for students.

“Environmentally friendly initiatives are really important to students and we’re increasingly looking for ways to ensure our impact on the environment is as minimal as possible,” Bre said.

“Students who spend a lot of time travelling between UWA’s Perth and QEII campuses will really see the benefits of Whoosh as they won’t have to rely on driving or walking between the two campuses.

“We’ve all been hoping for an initiative like this for some time now and it will be great to test this out during 2020 and really see the advantages that come from creating a more connected campus for students.”

More information about the Whoosh initiative is available on the Go Whoosh website.