In a first for Western Australia (WA), ICMIF member RAC WA is partnering with The University of Western Australia (UWA) to trial a new multi-mode transport service, which aims to better connect staff, students and visitors to on-and-off campus facilities.

The Whoosh trial, based at UWA, is the first service to bring together a full suite of transport options, including bikes, e-bikes and car sharing, to help staff and students move between classrooms at various campus sites, and travel off-site when required.

RAC Chief Operating Officer Mark Weller said by offering a variety of mobility options, the trial aimed to better understand the evolving nature of transport in Western Australia.

“We’re very excited to be partnering with The University of Western Australia to trial Whoosh — the first service in WA which makes bikes, e-bikes and car sharing all available under the one initiative,” Mr Weller said.

“Our hope is that staff and students will see this service as a great way to move between classrooms and across campuses, and to complete short trips outside the university when required.

“The 12-month trial aims to alleviate congestion and mobility issues across UWA and provide a valuable insight into how Western Australians want to move around their communities – in this case their universities.

“As part of our focus on creating more connected, liveable and sustainable communities, this trial is a new opportunity for RAC to explore the changing mobility landscape.

“It’s an important step toward better understanding the transport challenges Western Australians are facing, and what some potential solutions might be.”

UWA Student Guild President Bre Shanahan said the introduction of Whoosh would make life on campus a lot easier for students.

“Environmentally friendly initiatives are really important to students and we’re increasingly looking for ways to ensure our impact on the environment is as minimal as possible,” Ms Shanahan said.

“We’ve all been hoping for an initiative like this for some time now and it will be great to test this out during 2020 and really see the advantages that come from creating a more connected campus for students.”

Six Whoosh mobility hubs have been installed across UWA’s campuses, offering the bike, e-bike and car sharing services for hire.

For more information visit gowhoosh.com.au