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.

All of UCT’s campuses have been designed and function as highly pedestrianized campuses, with very prominent pedestrian pathways and vehicle slowing mechanisms throughout. The university operates a daily shuttle bus service between all campuses and student residences. This is a free service for all students and staff and greatly reduces car-dependency, especially for residence students.  

The university also has an Integrated Development Framework that sets out long term plans for a campus that is even more walkable than it currently is, also limiting number of parking bays or even on some campuses (Upper Campus) planning to remove parking off the campus to proposed structured parking buildings to make the campus even more walkable. 

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).