Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) has implemented a wide range of initiatives to reduce the use of private vehicles on campus and promote sustainable, environmentally friendly mobility options. These actions are aligned with the university’s Policy to Reduce the Number of Private Vehicles on Campus and Sustainable Transportation and Mobility Policy, ensuring that transportation planning contributes directly to KTU’s sustainability goals.
In cooperation with the Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality, special bus routes connecting various districts of Trabzon to the main university campus and the Faculty of Medicine have been established. A total of eight dedicated municipal bus lines serve university students, staff, and hospital visitors. Furthermore, under a formal protocol signed with the local government, university students benefit from a 54% discounted public transportation card, making mobility both affordable and sustainable (source).
To minimize campus traffic congestion, KTU provides extensive free shuttle services for its academic and administrative staff. A total of 58 shuttle vehicles operate under the university’s transportation system, serving major residential and urban routes such as Akçaabat, Yomra, Sürmene, Maçka, Beşirli, and the city center. The widespread use of these shuttles significantly reduces the number of private cars entering the campus and helps lower carbon emissions, supporting KTU’s green campus initiative.
A license plate recognition system has been deployed at all campus gates to control vehicle access. Undergraduate student vehicles are not permitted to enter the campus, while entry for postgraduate students, campus businesses, and external service providers is regulated through a paid annual subscription system. This initiative effectively reduces unnecessary vehicle density and encourages the use of public and shared transportation.
KTU also promotes zero-emission mobility through the establishment of dedicated bicycle parking areas and the development of approximately 5,372 m of bicycle lane infrastructure, encouraging students and staff to use bicycles for short-distance commuting. Additionally, the installation of electric vehicle charging stations supports the use of electric cars and e-scooters, contributing to a cleaner transportation ecosystem.
Through these comprehensive measures, Karadeniz Technical University demonstrates its strong institutional commitment to reducing private vehicle use, improving air quality, and promoting accessible, affordable, and sustainable transportation options. These coordinated initiatives reflect KTU’s long-term vision of building a low-carbon, inclusive, and environmentally responsible campus.
