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1 INTRODUCTION

One of the key elements determining the correct

operationalization of the idea of sustainable

development is sustainable mobility. This term is

understood primarily as the development of transport

that does not pose a threat to the surrounding

ecosystem and human health, but at the same time is

able to meet their transport expectations, while

observing the applicable rules related to the use of

renewable and non-renewable energy sources [1]. The

concept of sustainable mobility also appears more and

more often in modern cities, whose authorities strive

to improve the quality of life of their inhabitants [2]–

[4][5]–[7] There, this idea is translated primarily as an

international definition of rational travel, i.e. choosing

as often as possible other means of transport than the

car, especially over short distances, which dominate

in moving around the city [8]–[10]. It is also important

that all means of transport complement each other in

order to create one coherent and efficient transport

system [11].

People awareness all over the world about the

sustainable development still increases [12]–[14].

Many countries are still struggling with increasing air

pollution and noise standards escalating in city

centers. For this purpose, Sustainable Urban Mobility

Plans (SUMP) are created. This is a long-term strategy

to ensure good accessibility to destinations and

Sustainable Mobility Planning Prerequisites and

erspectives - Gdynia Maritime University Case Study

. Kaszuba

, A. Przybyłowski

, K. Kościk

, A. Lachowicz

& M. Kuzia

Gdynia Maritime University, Gdynia, Poland

Gdynia City Hall, Gdynia, Poland

ABSTRACT: Sustainable mobility is one of the key elements determining the correct operationalization of the

idea of sustainable development. This concept also appears more and more often in modern cities, whose

authorities strive to improve the quality of life of their inhabitants, among others by creating SUMP -Sustainable

Urban Mobility Plan. This is followed by all kinds of facilities that generate big traffic in cities. One of the

institutions willing to meet the challenges of the ever-growing number of trips in its vicinity is Gdynia Maritime

University (GMU), which is one of the largest employers in this seaport city, and thus – is one of the biggest

traffic generators. The objective of this paper is to investigate the prerequisites and perspectives of creating and

implementing mobility plan for GMU in order to make transport more sustainable in its vicinity. For this

purpose, pilot research survey has been carried out among employees and students regarding their behaviour

and transport preferences in reaching this destination. The research hypothesis stating that the transport habits

of the GMU commuters are not compatible with the concept of sustainable mobility was confirmed. The

implementation of a sustainable mobility plan in this institution will help to change the standards of traveling

in the area of the University and will contribute to better quality of life in the city. It is recommended to enhance

the cooperation with the Gdynia City Hall in order to create a synergy effect and bring an added val

ue to

sustainable development of this congested seaport urban space.

http://www.transnav.eu

the

International Journal

on Marine Navigation

and Safety of Sea

Transportation

Volume 17

Number 4

Dec

ember 2023

DOI: 10.12716/1001.17.04.

982

services, including actions to help implement it [15]–

[20]. According to the document prepared for the

European Commission, including the "Guidelines for

developing and implementing a sustainable urban

mobility plan”, a properly developed SUMP should

be characterized by:

− a long-term vision and a clear implementation

plan,

− participatory approach,

− balanced and integrated development of all means

of transport,

− vertical and horizontal integration,

− assessment of current and future effectiveness,

− regular monitoring, review and reporting,

− taking into account the external costs of all modes

of transport.

Whereas the goals to be achieved with the support

of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan are as follows:

− provide all citizens with transport options that

allow access to destinations and services,

− improve security,

− contribute to reducing air and noise pollution,

reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy

consumption,

− improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of

transporting people and goods,

− positively affect the attractiveness and quality of

the urban environment for the benefit of residents,

the economy and the community as a whole [21].

Polish cities also try to regulate transport issues in

accordance with international and national laws, but

on their own. Gdynia was one of the first large cities

in Poland to create a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan,

which was adopted by the Gdynia City Council in

2016 [22]–[25]. Currently, work is underway to create

such a document for the entire Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot

Metropolitan Area, which assumes improvement of

the effectiveness and efficiency of the mobility system

and ensuring its integration with urban and territorial

development, while involving the inhabitants [26]–

[28].

Another, however, no less important issue is the

creation of mobility plans for large traffic generators,

which are inevitably modeled on Sustainable Urban

Mobility Plans. The implementation of mobility plans

allows to mitigate the negative effects of transport,

and is also one of the most important tools for

mobility management. Such a document can be

created for any area or facility creating a lot of traffic

in the city, and its idea is to present the intended

goals, projects and proposed activities that may

contribute to the introduction of the concept of

sustainable development in the area or facility [29]–

[32]. For this purpose, it is obligatory to develop an

appropriate methodology adapted to the needs of a

given institution. It is also necessary to conduct a

detailed analysis of the receivers in terms of their

awareness and needs, so as to select the actions

implemented in the mobility plan appropriately for

them, provide appropriate information, and also to

competently draw conclusions later in the

implementation of the mobility plan, constantly

reacting to the feelings of the receivers related to the

currently entered tasks. It is also very important to

skilfully assess the results of pilot activities, as well as

those implemented in the field of education and

promotion of sustainable development on the

premises of the facility [16], [33]–[38].

Furthermore, according to the main goal of

mobility plan, which is to promote sustainable

commuting pattern, implementing mobility plans

impact on company carbon footprint, and then to the

carbon footprint of the whole city. On 5 January 2023,

new European Union directive entered into force – the

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

The first companies (the largest) will have to apply

the new rules for the first time in the 2024 financial

year. However, the key issue of this directive is the

need to count the emissions not only from vehicles

belonging to the company's fleet, but also from

employees' commuting from home [39]. This can

significantly influence the validity of mobility plans

and prioritise their implementation in the future.

World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World

Business Council for Sustainable Development

(WBCSD) provided Greenhouse Gas Protocol which

establishes comprehensive global standardised

frameworks to measure and manage greenhouse gas

(GHG) emissions from private and public sector

operations. With regard to the protocol companies

should collect data on:

− Number of employees

− Average distance travelled by an average

employee per day

− Average breakdown of transport modes used by

employees

− Average number working days per year [40].

One of such facilities generating large flows of

traffic is the Gdynia Maritime University. The number

of employees commuting to work - lecturers,

administrative employees or other workers employed

at Gdynia Maritime University makes it one of the

largest employers in the city. In addition, students

commuting to classes and moving between campuses,

the location in the city center and the organization of

many events on campus contribute to increasing

traffic both around the campus on Morska Street and

John Paul II Avenue [41].

That’s why Gdynia Maritime University

collaborates with local and regional public authorities

responsible for transport planning and infrastructure

development. This collaboration ensures that the

educational programs offered by the university align

with the needs of the transport sector in Gdynia. It

also facilitates knowledge exchange and cooperation

in areas such as transport policy, infrastructure

planning, and sustainable mobility.

The objective of this paper is to investigate the

prerequisites and perspectives of creating and

implementing mobility plan for GMU in order to

make transport more sustainable in its vicinity. For

this purpose, pilot research survey has been carried

out among employees and students regarding their

transport preferences and behavior in reaching this

destination. The research hypothesis stating that the

transport habits of the GMU commuters, i.e.

employees and students, are not compatible with the

idea of sustainable mobility was confirmed.

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2 MOBILITY PLAN FOR GDYNIA MARITIME

UNIVERSITY AS A LARGE TRAFFIC

GENERATOR

2.1 Rules of creation and implementing mobility plans for

generators of large traffic flows

Universities are one of the facilities in the city that

generate a large number of travels around their

campuses or student dormitories. For such places it is

really important to create a space for the smooth

movement of a plurality of people. It is for this

purpose that mobility plans are created, which are

implemented with the intention of changing the

communication behaviour of stakeholders, so as to

limit, above all, individual trips by car, which are one

of the main sources of noise or air pollution in the

city. Of course, these journeys are made not only by

cars, but also by public transport, by means of

personal transport such as bicycles or scooters,

through shared transport and by foot, which are

perceived as more sustainable modes of transport.

The creation of such a mobility plan is usually

carried out in the form of stages, in which it is

necessary to implement successive phases of project

implementation, which in turn will lead to the

achievement of a number of benefits for both

addressees and traffic generators. Each mobility plan

should be aimed at improving the transport

accessibility of the area and meeting the transport

needs of its addressees. However, it should be

remembered that at the same time, criteria related to

environmental protection, economic efficiency and

social equality must be met.

Properly implemented mobility plans bring

benefits to both their addressees and the traffic

generators themselves.

The advantages that they can offer to addressees

include, above all:

− improving the transport accessibility of travel

destinations,

− proposing alternative forms of transport for a

passenger car,

− improvement of existing transport services,

− improving transport and personal safety,

− shortening the time and reducing travel costs,

− creating opportunities for daily physical activity

using active forms of mobility.

On the other hand, the benefits for traffic

generators resulting from the implementation of

mobility plans can be considered as:

− improving the transport accessibility of the facility,

− reduction of costs and problems related to parking

on the premises,

− improving relations with the inhabitants of

neighboring areas,

− more efficient use of company vehicles,

− creating a pro-ecological and innovative image of

the facility.

According to the Interreg Central Europe Movecit

Programme – Guidelines for developing a mobility

plan there are at least six stages of the implementation

process:

1. Mobility Concept – first step is to clearly articulate

the mobility concept, which outlines the

overarching goals and principles of the mobility

plan. This concept should address the specific

needs and challenges of the community or

organization for which the plan is being

developed. For example, the mobility concept

might aim to reduce traffic congestion, improve

public transportation options, promote sustainable

modes of transportation, or enhance accessibility

for all individuals. Main goals of this stage are to

secure support in the development and

implementation of the mobility plan, anchoring

sustainable mobility in the object`s Mission

Statement and in its self-image, embedding

sustainable mobility in political strategies and

documents, develop a common vision, a long-term

goal for transport and mobility development.

2. Mobility Team – implementing a mobility plan

requires careful coordination and collaboration

from the mobility team. Each step of the

implementation process is crucial to ensure the

successful execution of the plan. Mobility team

focuses on defining the key objectives and

performance metrics that will guide the

implementation of the mobility plan. This step sets

the foundation for measuring the effectiveness and

success of the plan. By focusing on establishing

clear objectives and performance metrics, the

mobility team can effectively track progress, make

data-driven decisions, and demonstrate the impact

of the implemented mobility plan. This step lays

the groundwork for the subsequent actions and

initiatives required to bring the mobility plan to

fruition.

3. Analysis of the existing situation – in the process of

creating a mobility plan, analysing the existing

situation is a crucial step that provides a

comprehensive understanding of the current state

of transportation and mobility. Describing steps

such as: data collection (mobility survey –

questionnaire, site audits and inspections), traffic

analysis, public transportation evaluation,

infrastructure assessment, accessibility analysis,

environmental impact assessment, stakeholders’

engagement and SWOT Analysis of the object the

process of analysing the existing situation in the

creation of a mobility plan can be outlined.

4. Planning measures – this step involves developing

specific strategies and actions to address the

identified mobility challenges and achieve the

desired goals. When implementing a mobility

plan, planning measures is a crucial step that

involves developing specific strategies and actions

to address mobility challenges and achieve desired

outcomes. Based on the analysis findings and

established objectives, there is a need to identify

targeted measures that will help address the

identified mobility challenges and achieve the

desired outcomes. These measures should be

tailored to the specific needs and characteristics of

the target area or community.

5. Implementation of measures – in the process of

creating a mobility plan, implementation of

measures involves executing the planned

strategies and actions to bring about desired

changes in transportation and mobility. This also

include specific goals, financial sources, targets,

responsibilities and measures itself along with the

timeline of the process.

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6. Evaluation and Monitoring – this step plays a

crucial role in the implementation of a mobility

plan as they allow the mobility team to assess the

progress, effectiveness, and impact of the plan.

Activities such as consultations with the project's

addressees should be carried out at every stage of

creating the mobility plan, so that they are aware

of the implementation of the plan, the goals set

and the scope of the project - so that their

involvement in the project is as high as possible. In

the further part, this will make it easier to draw

conclusions or assess the effects of the plan's

implementation. In addition, to assess the

functioning of the created mobility plan, a number

of indicators can be used to assess the degree of

success of the implemented project, and measures

to determine the effects of the implementation of

specific instruments within the project [42], [43].

2.2 Gdynia Maritime University characteristics and

planned investments

Gdynia Maritime University plays an important role

in the functioning of the City of Gdynia. As a

specialized university in maritime studies and

engineering, Gdynia Maritime University provides

high-quality education and research opportunities in

various maritime-related disciplines. The university

produces skilled professionals, including mechanics,

marine engineers, and navigators, who contribute to

the development of the local maritime industry and

workforce. The research conducted at the University

also fosters innovation and technological

advancements in the maritime sector. Gdynia

Maritime University also contributes to the economic

development of Gdynia by attracting students and

staff from different parts of Poland and abroad. This

leads to increased demand for local goods and

services, such as accommodation, dining,

transportation, and entertainment. It also creates

opportunities for businesses to cater to the needs of

the university community, supporting local

entrepreneurship and employment. Moreover,

Gdynia Maritime University organizes various

cultural and social events, conferences, and seminars,

which contribute to the city's cultural life. These

events bring together scholars, professionals, and

students, fostering intellectual exchange and

community engagement.

Therefore, considering the fact of being one of the

largest employers in the city and accepting a number

of clients, as well as organizing classes for many

students, the Gdynia Maritime University is also

perceived as one of the largest traffic generators in the

city. Students, lecturers, and staff members

commuting to and from the University can contribute

to increased traffic during peak hours. This influx of

vehicles, especially if concentrated in specific time

slots, can lead to congestion on roads surrounding the

university campus and, consequently, to increased

traffic and noise throughout the city. The locations of

the buildings comprising the Maritime University of

Gdynia are presented in Figure 1 and, as can be seen

there, they are located in the central district of Gdynia

- Śródmieście (Navigation Faculty and Swimming

Pool), the neighbouring Kamienna Góra (student

house), and also in Grabówek (main building of

GMU, Sports Centre of GMU and student houses at

Beniowskiego Street). Soon, the Gdynia Maritime

University may also become the owner of the building

at Piłsudskiego avenue, which is also located in

Śródmieście. That is why it is so important to create

the awareness of rational travel among students and

city dwellers i.e., through encouraging the use of

alternative transportation modes, such as bicycles,

walking, carpooling, and public transportation,

through infrastructure improvements and awareness

campaigns can reduce the reliance on private vehicles

and mitigate traffic congestion.

Figure 1. Location of GMU buildings on the map of Gdynia

Gdynia Maritime University also has a high

demand for parking spaces. Insufficient parking

facilities can lead to students and staff searching for

parking spaces in the surrounding neighbourhoods,

potentially causing congestion and inconvenience for

local residents. Especially now, when the construction

of the new Gdynia Maritime University Sports Centre

is entering the final phase of construction (the

planned completion date is the second quarter of

2024), the traffic around the campus at Morska Street

may increase even more (Fig. 2). The possibility of

organizing sports events in a modern sports hall or

conferences in the office part of the new building will

certainly contribute to choosing the Gdynia Maritime

University as a destination for many people. A partial

improvement to the expected increase in traffic may

be the commissioning of an underground car park

with 49 spaces, also built as part of this investment.

However, using the Sports Centre to promote active

mobility can bring much greater potential. Sanitary

facilities, locker rooms or a fitness area can contribute

985

to increasing the share of trips by sustainable means

of transport to the University campus.

Figure 2. Visualization of the GMU Sports Centre building

Overall, Gdynia Maritime University has a

positive impact on the functioning of the City of

Gdynia by driving education, research, economic

development and infrastructure improvements. The

university's close collaboration with industry and its

specialized programs cater to the specific needs of the

maritime sector, reinforcing Gdynia's position as a

key maritime centre in Poland.

3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

One of the most important stages of the

implementation of the Mobility Plan for traffic

generators is the analysis of the existing state. In this

case, a pilot research survey was carried out among

136 of students and 18 employees of the Gdynia

Maritime University in order to find out what their

behaviour and transport preferences are. It was also

analysed what instruments should be implemented to

balance mobility within both campuses of the

University. The formulated research hypothesis states

that the way of traveling of the surveyed people is not

in line with the sustainable mobility paradigm.

Figure 3 presents the data collected from the

participants of the study related to their most

frequently chosen means of transport, taking into

account the gender of the respondents. Sustainable

means of transport such as walking, bicycle, bus,

trolleybus or train are chosen more often by women –

68 % than by men – 54 % of respondents. Among

women, the most dominant way of traveling to the

University is bus/trolleybus (28%) or walking (24%),

while among men the car (29%) and bus/trolleybus

(22%) definitely prevail. Among the representatives of

both sexes, there was only one person each who

declared that they most often use a bicycle to get to

the University. On the other hand, multimodal

transport, i.e. a combination of several different

means of transport, was indicated by 19% of women

and 17% of men participating in the study. The

presented results regarding more frequent sustainable

travel by women are also confirmed by other studies

conducted by world researchers. Women are more

likely to choose sustainable means of transport and

are more aware of the ecological aspects of rational

travel [44]–[48].

Figure 3. Modal split of respondents depending of their

gender

In relation to the above, the respondents were also

asked if they had a driving license and what means of

personal transport they had (Figure 4). Depending on

the answers to these questions, it was possible to

conclude whether the respondents consciously choose

sustainable means of transport or whether they

simply have no other option to travel.

The means of personal transport that the

participants of the study have at their disposal are

mainly cars and bicycles. Over three-quarters (76%) of

respondents have a car in their household, while

41.5% of them have it exclusively. However, in order

to identify car owners by gender, it is mainly men

who own them in their household. Over 80% of men

participating in the survey declared that they had a

car, while 52% of them had it at their own disposal.

Among women, the results are as follows: 70% of

women participating in the survey have a car in their

household, but only 30% of them have it exclusively.

Although, as many as 90% of the women and 92% of

the men participating in the survey declared that they

were licensed to drive a car. These are certainly a few

of the reasons why women are more likely to choose

sustainable means of transport. When it comes to

bicycles, 71% of the survey participants declared

having them, but as many as 60% of them have their

own private bicycle. Therefore, this study confirmed

that Poland is in the group of countries where

inhabitants most often have their own bicycles (69%

according to IPSOS research) [49]. This can be a very

good starting point to encourage students and

employees of the Gdynia Maritime University to use

this type of transport more often, while meeting other

important aspects for the users. Owners of

motorcycles - 17.5% and scooter owners - 15% of

respondents have a slight share in this ranking.

Figure 4. Possession of respondents' personal means of

transport

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Another important aspect raised in the research is

the place of residence of the respondents. Figure 5

presents a map taking into account the area declared

by the respondents as their place of residence. During

the development of the Mobility Plan for the Gdynia

Maritime University, thanks to this data it will be

possible to identify the areas from which the traffic

towards the University is the highest, so with the

support of the city and the public transport authorities

like Zarząd Komunikacji Miejskiej w Gdyni and the

Szybka Kolej Miejska w Trójmieście, also adjusting the

appropriate public transport offers to both campuses

of the University. Most of the survey participants

(20%) are residents of student houses. A significant

number of respondents indicated the northern

districts of Gdynia (15%) and the western districts of

Gdynia (10%) as their place of residence. Many people

(9%) also live in the vicinity of the campus at ul.

Morska, i.e. in the area covering the districts of

Leszczynki, Grabówek and Działki Leśne. The

remaining areas constitute an insignificant share in

the ranking and are represented by a small number of

people, while 18% of the survey participants declared

that they live outside the borders of the Tri-City -

mainly in neighbouring counties.

Figure 5. Traffic intensity to GMU from individual groups

of Gdynia districts and neighbouring counties

In order to find out the motivation for choosing

specific means of transport by the study participants,

they were asked to refer to specific statements. On this

basis, it can also be deduced whether the reasons for

choosing a given way of traveling depend on the

respondents (e.g. concern for the environment) or

whether they have no influence on them (lack of

parking spaces). Subsequently, Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9

present the respondents' motivations related to

walking, cycling, public transport or a private car

commuting to the University.

As the main reason for walking to the University,

the participants of the study indicated the short travel

distance, which does not require the use of another

means of transport, savings on travel costs and also

care for health. The obtained results confirm the

results of studies conducted among people declaring

walking as their way of traveling also in other regions

of the world [50]–[52]. Subsequently, the lack of

parking spaces and concern for health were also

indicated. The postulates with which the respondents

completely disagree are the lack of having a car and

the lack of the possibility to use a car or other means

of transport. It should be noted, however, that the

majority of people who declare walking to the

University are students living in student houses in the

vicinity of the campus.

Figure 6. Motivations for choosing walking trips by

respondents

Although the bicycle is the least frequently chosen

everyday means of transport among the survey

participants, over 40 people declared that they use it

occasionally when commuting to the University. In

the case of this vehicle, the most frequently indicated

motivations in its choice were low travel costs, health

care, ease of commuting - independence from

congestion, as well as care for the environment - these

are factors mainly dependent on the respondents.

According to the IPSOS research mentioned before,

polish people also perceive cycling more than a sport

than a way to travel. Over 61 % people in Poland

declared that they ride a bicycle for exercise and this

was the highest ratio obtained in the study [49].

Therefore, cycling may not be as popular among

study participants at GMU.

Figure 7. Motivations for choosing cycling trips by

respondents

Public transport is the most frequently chosen

means of transport among the survey participants.

The fact that respondents have student discounts is

987

the main reason for choosing this sustainable mode of

transport. Savings on travel costs and the lack of

parking spaces in the vicinity of the University

campuses were also often mentioned. The last two

indicated factors, combined with a negative attitude

to statements about the inability to use a car, may

indicate that if the number of parking spaces within

the campus were greater, they would choose a car as a

means of transport to the University. An equally

important aspect when choosing this way of traveling

is the place of residence of the study participants.

People who run districts far away from the GMU are

not willing to choose this means of transport. This is

also confirmed by other transport studies of other

European cities [53], [54].

Figure 8. Motivations for choosing public transport by

respondents

When it comes to car users, their main motivations

when choosing the least ecological means of urban

transport are traveling comfort, saving travel time, as

well as making other trips on that day that are not

related to work or study, these arguments are also

substantiated in Chinese and British studies

conducted for medium-sized cities [55]–[57].

However, most trips made by car towards the

University are made from remote districts and

counties, which are characterized by quite poor access

to public transport. These are mainly northern

districts of Gdynia (Babie Doły, Oksywie, Obłuże,

Pogórze), western districts (Chwarzno-Wiczlino,

Witomino), as well as Kościerzyna, Kartuzy and

Wejherowo counties.

Figure 9. Motivations for choosing car by respondents

In order to increase the share of sustainable means

of transport when commuting to the University by its

students and employees, they were also asked to

indicate factors that would change the way of

traveling to the University by bicycle or public

transport. Bearing in mind that not all participants of

the study can be convinced to change their transport

habits, the obtained results allow us to look with

optimism at the possible choice of sustainable means

of transport for travel. Figure 10 shows the factors that

would have to be improved in order for some of the

study participants to start commuting to the

University by bicycle, while Figure 11 shows the

factors requiring improvement in the public transport

offer.

Analysing the respondents' answers, it can be seen

that infrastructural factors are the most important for

them, such as the improvement of the existing bicycle

infrastructure in the city, but also a safe, and

preferably monitored, place to store a bicycle at the

University. Equally important for study participants

are basic hygiene facilities such as a shower/locker.

From the point of view of the Gdynia Maritime

University, these demands can be met on the occasion

of the aforementioned construction of the Sports

Centre.

Figure 10. Factors that would encourage respondents to

choose a bicycle as a means of transport when commuting

to University

When it comes to transport postulates related to

public transport, which the participants of the study

would be most interested in when using this type of

travelling, these are: punctuality, regularity,

frequency of connections and a lower cost of a

monthly ticket. However, recent changes introduced

by the Zarząd Komunikacji Miejskiej w Gdyni

(increase in ticket prices, withdrawal of bus lines) do

not meet the expectations of users of public transport,

which may mean that when creating a mobility plan

for the Gdynia Maritime University, cooperation with

public transport authorities may be one of the greatest

challenges.

Figure 11. Transport postulates that would encourage

respondents to travel by public transport

The last but no less important point was collecting

opinions on the transport problems currently faced by

the Gdynia Maritime University. 122 participants of

the study took advantage of this opportunity.

Respondents had a chance to comment on this topic in

an open question, but for the purposes of this article,

the answers have been collected and grouped in Table

1. This list includes both problems that could be

solved at the level of the Gdynia Maritime University

- such as the lack of parking spaces or insufficient

988

transport accessibility of the Faculty of Navigation, as

well as the unsatisfactory offer of collective transport

carriers or their delays, for which public transport

authorities are responsible and indirectly the City of

Gdynia. That is why it is so important to cooperate

with municipal institutions in this regard as much as

possible when creating a mobility plan for the Gdynia

Maritime University.

Table 1. Gdynia Maritime University transport problems

indicated by survey participants

________________________________________________

Gdynia Maritime University Number of

transport problem respondents

________________________________________________

Public transport delays 22

No parking spaces around the campuses for students 21

Congestion 19

Insufficient transport accessibility of the Navigation 19

Department

Unsatisfactory public transport offer 18

Overload in means of public transport 11

Car parks prices at John Paul II Avenue 6

No bicycle routes in some parts of the city 3

No covered parking for bicycles 2

Public transport ticket prices 1

________________________________________________

4 CONCLUSIONS

Implementing a mobility plan at the Gdynia Maritime

University can bring numerous benefits to the

university community, including environmental

sustainability, improved health, reduced traffic

congestion and improved safety. In addition, it can

also contribute to the improvement of the functioning

of the entire city of Gdynia, and consequently also to

the service of the Port of Gdynia, because the

Kwiatkowski Flyover, leading to the northern districts

of Gdynia, inhabited by a large part of the study

participants, is a road of significant importance from

the point of view of land port services and operations

[58]–[61].

The research hypothesis stating that that the

transport habits of the GMU commuters are not

compatible with the concept of sustainable mobility

was confirmed. 61% of respondents declared that they

use sustainable means of transport, such as public

transport, cycling or walking. This way of traveling is

chosen more often by women (68%) than by men

(54%) participating in the survey. The result achieved

is not sufficient to consider that GMU commuters are

promoters of sustainable travel, but it is a very good

starting point for the implementation of the Mobility

Plan. However, the potential that can be used,

especially taking into account the small share of

bicycle transport in this list, shows that with the

creation of a properly developed mobility plan for

GMU, the share of sustainable means of transport in

commuting to the University may increase. Especially

considering that as many as 71% of respondents have

a bicycle in their household.

Cooperation of the team creating the mobility plan

for GMU with representatives of the city of Gdynia,

e.g. in terms of infrastructure improvement and with

other institutions - especially responsible for the

organization of transport in the city - will allow for

the complete or partial elimination of transport

barriers indicated by students and employees of the

University, during their commuting to the facilities by

sustainable means of transport, such as public

transport and bicycles. In addition to solving

transport problems related to selected locations of the

Gdynia Maritime University indicated by respondents

during the survey, the mobility plan may bring

benefits such as reduction in CO2 emissions and

improve air quality around the campus and whole

Gdynia city. This will be possible mainly through

encouraging students and its employees to use more

eco-friendly modes of transportation such as bicycles,

public transport, or electric vehicles. As a result, it can

lead to reduced traffic congestion on the roads leading

to the campuses and also reduce in parking space

needs at the University. Promoting public transport

and carpooling can result in less congestion and

shorter travel times for all users.

The implementation of the mobility plan for GMU

may also have environmental and health benefits.

Promoting active forms of transportation like walking

or cycling can increase physical activity among the

university community. Regular physical activity has

positive effects on health, well-being, and

concentration, which can translate into better

academic performance. By implementing a mobility

plan, the university can also become a leader in

promoting environmental awareness within the

academic community. This can influence the attitudes

and behaviors of students and employees, not only

regarding mobility but also in other areas of

sustainable development.

Overall, Gdynia Maritime University has a

significant impact not only on the shaping and

functioning of the transport system in the seaport city

of Gdynia. Through its maritime education, research,

collaboration with industry and public authorities and

research expertise, GMU contributes to the

development of a sustainable, efficient, and

competitive transport system, particularly in the

maritime and logistics sectors.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This research was funded by Gdynia Maritime University—

WN/2023/PZ/10 project.

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