UCT’s strategy for campus mobility is embedded in its vision of creating a safe, accessible and sustainable campus environment. In 2024 UCT maintained a strong emphasis on pedestrian access and minimal private-car dependency across its multi-campus estate (Upper, Middle, Lower, Hiddingh). Policy, physical infrastructure and service provision were aligned to favour walking, shuttles and public transport, thereby advancing the campus as a pedestrian-priority zone. These integrated measures contribute to UCT’s broader commitments to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities), SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by encouraging active mobility, reducing emissions from commuting and limiting vehicle intrusion into campus spaces.

Evidence of pedestrian-priority design and limited vehicle access

• An early institutional article titled “Road to a car-free campus” (UCT News, 21 August 2006) lays out formal policy steps to reduce student parking bays (e.g., upper campus student parking bays reduced from 1 020 to 690; middle and lower campuses from 430 to 67) and planned satellite park-and-ride linkages to the shuttle service. Though dated, this policy guide reflects a longstanding institutional commitment to vehicle-reduced campus zones.
• The “Getting around” guide (UCT News, 27 January 2024) states that the free UCT Shuttle links all campuses, most residences and local public-transport terminals, allowing campus users to connect from train/bus or park-and-ride rather than bring a car.
• The same guide notes that first-year students are not allowed cars onto campus. This rule supports pedestrian access and reduces vehicle traffic in core campus precincts.
• The UCT Shuttle fleet and routing evidence: UCT has a fleet of 26 buses, including one adapted for disabled passengers, operating between residences, all UCT campuses and public bus/train/parking facilities.

In 2024 UCT deployed a coordinated mobility strategy that prioritises walking and pedestrian access within its campus precincts, minimises private car use and provides high-quality alternative mobility options. Areas such as University Avenue and Madiba Circle on Upper Campus operate with vehicle access controls, student parking has been significantly reduced and first-year students are prohibited from bringing cars onto campus. Complementing this, the free UCT Shuttle service links all major campuses, residences and public transport terminals (train, MyCiTi bus), providing a seamless, car-free commuting network for staff and students. A fleet of 26 buses (including a disabled-access vehicle) operates on a frequent schedule across the estate, supporting modal shift away from single-occupant vehicles. These measures reinforce active mobility, reduce campus traffic and support UCT’s broader sustainability goals of creating a walkable, low-emission campus environment (SDG 3, SDG 11, SDG 13).