Whether you’re commuting daily or just making the occasional trip, here are some of my top travel tips to make your journey smoother, cheaper and greener. 
 

Annual travel passes allow you to save money and travel more

A discounted annual bus and rail pass means big savings throughout the year. Even better, you’ll enjoy complimentary weekend travel across the Northern Ireland public transport network, meaning more adventures and time with relatives if you’re travelling home for the weekend, less expense and fewer cars on the road.

Translink offer a range of pre-pay travel cards designed to save you money and offer convenience. Many of the travel cards are available to buy online and offer significant cost savings on the standard fare.
 

Park and rides are fast and efficient

With free parking, many train stations and some bus interchanges on main routes have park and ride facilities. Using park and ride locations such as Blacks Road, Cairnshill or Ballymartin means that you save considerable time around Belfast looking for that elusive car parking space. It’s faster than driving, reduces traffic, and lowers your carbon footprint.

• Check out the high frequency services offered by Translink from major park and ride sites here.
• Visit NI Direct for a list of all park and ride options available throughout Northern Ireland.

 
Save money and time by cycling

Fed up being caught in congestion? There are a range of off-road cycling options, such as the Comber Greenway, that make it easier for you to commute to work by bike. Queen’s has a number of secure cycle shelters on campus for when you arrive too!

We also have a partnership with Cyclescheme which offers significant savings on the cost of a bike and equipment for commuting to work, and the good news is that e-bikes are now available through Cycle+!

 
Mix and match your journey 

Known as a multi-modal commute, do you want to take the bus or train but live too far from the station? There is plenty of parking available at train stations meaning there’s no reason why you can’t drive your car to the station and leave it there for you to continue the rest of your journey by bus or rail, saving you time and money.  You could even cycle instead of taking the car!

 
Share lifts when you can

Liftshare is the University’s car sharing portal which allows staff and students to find car sharing matches based on location. It’s a free, easy to use platform, and allows you to register your journey in only a few simple steps.

 
Download the Queen’s Online mobile app

Staff and students can also now receive live updates on bus and rail travel via the Queen’s Online mobile app.

 
Take advantage of any shuttle services available

Shuttle services can be a quick, free way of getting from A to B. Did you know that we have a free shuttle service from the Medical Biology Centre to the Royal Victoria Hospital for staff and students? It’s not only quicker and more convenient, but it also reduces unnecessary car trips, cutting congestion and emissions.

 

By choosing smarter, more sustainable options, staff and students can enjoy less stress, more savings, healthier living, and greater flexibility. Together these choices make commuting not just more sustainable, but more enjoyable!

Find out more on Sustainable Travel at Queen’s here.

Nathan Booth

Assistant Estates Manager (Sustainable Travel), Estates Directorate