A View on Sustainable Mobility of Students at the University of Ljubljana: Geoštram Final Event
On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, the Department of Geography at the Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, hosted the final event of the six-month project “Geoštram – Geography for Sustainable Student Mobility” of which third-year geography students were the main organisers. Following the introductory address by the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Dr. Mojca Schlamberger Brezar, the event included a presentation of the research findings conducted among the students of the University of Ljubljana. The research examined existing mobility patterns and presented suggestions for improvements that would allow students easier and more environmentally friendly access to various university facilities. The study highlighted the lack of adequate cycling infrastructure, insufficient bus connections, and the need for greater flexibility in public transportation.
The research findings were followed by a roundtable discussion titled “Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Student Mobility,” which featured the Rector of the University of Ljubljana, Prof. Dr. Gregor Majdič, Associate Prof. Dr. Matej Ogrin from the Department of Geography, Klemen Gostič from the Regional Development Agency of the Ljubljana Urban Region, Nela Halilović from the Institute for Spatial Policies, and Jan Škruba, a student from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. The discussion focused on concrete measures to improve student access to sustainable mobility options.
The panelists emphasized the significant need for improvements in the public transport system, the enhancement of multimodal options, and smaller-scale initiatives that would improve access to various university locations in Ljubljana. The Regional Development Agency (RRA LUR) highlighted its efforts in establishing comprehensive solutions to enhance mobility in the region, particularly for vulnerable groups, which include students. The discussion also focused on projects aimed at improving cycling paths, connecting bus routes, and promoting intermodal transport options. Additionally, the importance of raising awareness about sustainable mobility during the study period was emphasized, as this shapes the travel habits of young people who will significantly contribute to reducing the environmental footprint in the future.
Projects like the final Geoštram represent a small but important step toward raising awareness among young people about the impact of mobility on the environment and spatial planning in the Ljubljana Urban Region. The efforts of geography students and their collaboration with organizations like RRA LUR demonstrate how collective efforts can lead to solutions for a more sustainable future in the Ljubljana Urban Region.
