Advancing Sustainable Mobility through Public Transportation, Active Travel and Low-Carbon Campus Infrastructure
Termez State University implements a coordinated programme of sustainable commuting initiatives aimed at reducing dependence on private motor vehicles, improving transportation accessibility and encouraging environmentally responsible travel among students, academic staff, administrative employees and visitors. The programme combines pedestrian infrastructure, cycling facilities, public transport integration, electric mobility and campus traffic management to promote healthier and more sustainable commuting practices.
The university's approach is integrated into its Sustainable Transportation Policy, Green Mobility Programme and broader campus sustainability strategy. These arrangements prioritise accessible, low-emission transportation while creating practical alternatives to conventional private vehicle use.
Public Transportation and Shared Mobility
Public transport accessibility is a central component of the university's sustainable commuting arrangements. Termez State University's academic campuses are connected to the city's established public transportation network, allowing students and employees to travel by public buses and shared route taxis rather than relying exclusively on private vehicles.
The university's transportation accessibility assessment identifies public bus stops approximately 80–180 metres from its major campuses, corresponding to an estimated walking time of one to three minutes. This proximity facilitates connections between public transport services, university entrances, academic buildings and student accommodation.
To encourage the use of these services, the university provides information on nearby routes, pedestrian access and transport connections. Its Integrated Sustainable Mobility Network brings together public transport information, walking routes, bicycle parking and other low-emission mobility options, helping commuters identify suitable alternatives to individual car journeys.
The university also promotes shared commuting and carpooling among employees and students travelling along similar routes. By encouraging the sharing of journeys, these arrangements seek to reduce transportation costs, unnecessary vehicle movements and emissions associated with daily travel.
Pedestrian-Friendly Campus Development
The improvement of pedestrian infrastructure represents one of the university's most substantial investments in sustainable mobility.
During 2025, Termez State University maintained approximately 4,500 metres of interconnected pedestrian pathways, linking academic buildings, university residences, administrative facilities, sports complexes and the Information Resource Centre.
The pedestrian network is designed to facilitate safe movement between university facilities without requiring short-distance motorised journeys.
On 8 September 2025, the university publicly documented its programme of pedestrian infrastructure improvements, including the progressive modernisation of campus pathways with durable natural granite paving. Particular attention was directed towards ensuring convenient and safe mobility for students with disabilities.
The university's pedestrian infrastructure incorporates designated walking routes, accessible entrances, ramps, crossings and pedestrian connections to public transportation facilities. Landscaping and shaded corridors contribute to more comfortable walking conditions, particularly during periods of high temperatures in Surkhandarya Region.
These improvements make walking a practical transportation choice while contributing to safer circulation and a more accessible university environment.
Cycling Infrastructure and Zero-Emission Transportation
Termez State University promotes bicycle commuting by providing designated bicycle parking and storage areas across its campuses. These facilities encourage students and employees to consider cycling as an alternative to conventional private vehicles, particularly for shorter journeys.
The university's Bicycle-Friendly Campus Programme complements pedestrian improvements by integrating bicycle parking into campus mobility planning and identifying opportunities for further development of cycling infrastructure.
The institution also encourages the use of electric bicycles, electric scooters and other low-emission transportation technologies.
Its 2025 GreenMetric transportation inventory records 189 zero-emission vehicles available across university campuses, comprising:
- 85 electric bicycles;
- 68 electric scooters;
- 32 electric cars;
- 4 electric utility vehicles.
The recorded availability of these transportation options reflects the university's growing low-carbon mobility environment and provides a foundation for encouraging greater use of electric transportation.
Dedicated electric-vehicle parking and bicycle facilities complement these initiatives, while further electric-vehicle charging infrastructure forms part of the university's ongoing sustainable transportation development plans.
Car-Free Days and Private Vehicle Management
A distinctive feature of the university's Green Mobility Programme is its weekly Car-Free Day initiative, which promotes walking, cycling, public transport and electric mobility.
The university's transportation programme provides for Car-Free Days on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 07:00 to 19:00. During these periods, private cars and motorcycles are restricted from designated campus areas, while necessary access is maintained for emergency services, essential operational vehicles and persons requiring accessible transport.
The initiative is intended to reduce internal traffic, improve pedestrian safety and encourage members of the university community to reconsider their daily commuting choices.
These arrangements are reinforced by the university's parking management measures. Rather than continuously expanding conventional parking infrastructure, Termez State University prioritises efficient use of existing parking areas and the development of facilities supporting sustainable mobility.
Its parking management framework includes designated spaces for conventional vehicles, accessible parking, electric mobility and bicycles. Campus entrance controls help regulate vehicle movements and maintain safer circulation around pedestrian areas.
Monitoring and Sustainable Transportation Planning
The university's sustainable transportation initiatives are supported by institutional monitoring and infrastructure assessment.
The Department of Facilities and Campus Infrastructure oversees transportation-related information, including parking utilisation, vehicle access, pedestrian conditions and the availability of alternative mobility facilities.
The university's sustainable mobility framework also provides for assessment of commuting patterns and transportation-related environmental impacts. Monitoring activities are intended to support decisions concerning infrastructure investment, accessibility improvements and measures that discourage unnecessary private vehicle use.
Through the integration of public transportation, pedestrian infrastructure, cycling facilities, low-emission vehicles and restrictions on private motorised access, Termez State University promotes more sustainable commuting practices throughout its academic community.
These measures contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 11 by supporting accessible transportation, reducing transport-related environmental pressures and creating a safer, healthier and more pedestrian-oriented campus environment