Transportation (TR)

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5 Transportation (TR)

5.4 The total number of vehicles (cars and motorcycles) divided by total campus' Population (TR.1)

Istanbul Okan University implements sustainable transportation policies aimed at controlling the number of motor vehicles on campus, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting environmentally friendly mobility. The University encourages the use of public transportation, shuttle services, pedestrian mobility, and alternative transportation methods in order to reduce dependence on private vehicles.

All motor vehicles entering the campus are registered at the security checkpoints and monitored through the campus parking management system. This system enables the University to periodically track the number of cars and motorcycles on campus and use the collected data for annual sustainability performance assessments.

The total number of vehicles includes:

  • Private vehicles belonging to academic and administrative staff,
  • Student vehicles,
  • University service vehicles,
  • Official maintenance and operational vehicles,
  • Scooter regularly used within the campus.

To reduce traffic congestion, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from private vehicle use, Istanbul Okan University:

  • Promotes the use of shuttle services for students and staff,
  • Encourages the use of public transportation,
  • Implements pedestrian-friendly campus planning,
  • Develops infrastructure to support bicycle use,
  • Manages campus parking facilities in line with its sustainable transportation objectives.

Through these practices, the University continuously monitors vehicle density on campus, aims to reduce the number of motor vehicles per capita, and supports the development of a sustainable campus transportation system.

5.5 Shuttle Services (TR.2)

Example of Shuttle Services (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)
Example of Shuttle Services – Bus Timetable (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)
Example of Shuttle Services – Bus Timetable (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)
Example of Ring Services – Bus Timetable (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)
Gebze-Mutlukent
İzmit-Kampüs

Campus Shuttle Services – Istanbul Okan University

Istanbul Okan University provides a variety of shuttle services to facilitate accessibility for students and staff:

External Shuttle Services: Regular shuttle buses operate between the main Tuzla/Tepeören Campus, Mecidiyeköy Campus and key metro stations, as well as designated points in the city.

Staff Shuttle Services: Free shuttle services are available exclusively for university staff, ensuring convenient and cost-free transportation to and from the campus.

On-Campus Transportation: Electric shuttle vehicles operate within the campus to support eco-friendly internal mobility and ease of access between buildings, green areas, and facilities.

5.6 Number of shuttles operating in the university

Number of shuttles operating in the university (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

GÜZELTEPE KONUTLARI
MUTLUKENT MERKEZ MUSTAFA ÜSTÜNDAĞ ORTAOKULU
MUTLUKENT MİGROS
HUZURKENT
GEBZE YENİ ADLİYE
AKSE SAPAĞI TAKSİ DURAĞI
İSTANBUL OKAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ

İSTANBUL OKAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ
AKSE SAPAĞI TAKSİ DURAĞI
GEBZE YENİ ADLİYE
HUZURKENT
MUTLUKENT MİGROS
MUTLUKENT MERKEZ MUSTAFA ÜSTÜNDAĞ ORTAOKULU
GÜZELTEPE KONUTLARI

Number of rings operating in the university (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)


20 shuttles + 20 rings = 40 vehicles

5.8 Total trips of each shuttle services each day

Total trips: 64

There are 64 daily vehicle movements with 40 vehicles.

5.9 Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) availability on campus (TR.3)

Example of Charging points for EV (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)
Example of Zero Emission Mobilet (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye) Example of Zero Emission Scooter (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)
Example of Zero Emission Golf Car (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)


Transportation within the campus is provided by electric golf carts, supporting zero emissions in on-campus mobility.

5.12 Total ground parking area (m2)

Total ground of parking area (m2) (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

5.13 Ratio of Parking Area to Total Campus Area (TR.5)

  • Total main campus area: 158429.55 m2
  • Total parking area = 9198m2

(aproximatly 735 spaces*12.5m2 per space)

  • Ratio = 0.0581

5.14 Program to limit or decrease the parking area on campus for the last 3 years (TR.6)

Limiting parking zone stickers (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye) Rings (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)


Istanbul Okan University has implemented a planned parking management and space optimization program over the last three years within the framework of sustainable campus management. This approach aims to limit on-campus parking areas and reduce motor vehicle use while being integrated with sustainable transportation policies that promote public transport, shuttle services, pedestrian mobility, and alternative transportation modes instead of private car dependency.

Within this scope, existing parking areas across the campus have been reassessed, the expansion of new parking spaces has been restricted, and certain areas have been transformed into green spaces, landscaped zones, and pedestrian-friendly open areas. This strategy supports the reduction of impermeable surfaces and the increase of natural and landscaped areas on campus.

During the last three-year period, the University has strengthened its vehicle entry and exit control policies to reduce private vehicle usage. Parking capacity has been kept under control through security registration systems and parking permit management procedures. In addition, shuttle services for staff and students have been encouraged to reduce the need for individual car use.

In line with campus planning principles, new construction and landscape projects prioritize pedestrian-oriented campus design, bicycle accessibility, and spatial continuity of open areas rather than expanding parking capacity. This contributes both to reducing vehicle-related carbon emissions and improving overall campus livability.

These practices have not only prevented the expansion of parking areas over the past three years but have also enabled more efficient use of existing spaces, supporting a long-term transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon, and pedestrian-focused campus model.

Istanbul Okan University,

  1. by limiting the use of private vehicles,
  2. providing on-campus shuttle (ring) services, and
  3. integrating access to public transportation and digital tracking applications,

encourages students and staff to choose lower-carbon, accessible, and sustainable transportation methods.

5.15 Number of Transportation Initiatives to Decrease Private Vehicles on Campus (TR.7)

Shuttles and Rings (Istanbul Okan University, Turkiye) Campus Bus (Istanbul Okan University, Turkiye)
EV inside the campus (Istanbul Okan University, Turkiye) Scooter inside the campus (Istanbul Okan University, Turkiye)
  1. Shuttle/ Rings
  2. Bus campus
  3. EV inside the campus
  4. Scooter inside the campus

5.16 Pedestrian Path Policy on Campus (TR.8)

Gallery

Example of pedestrian path (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)
Travel distance of a vehicle inside the campus ( Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)


Through its pedestrian path policy, Istanbul Okan University implements:

  • Safety: (vehicle–pedestrian separation),
  • Accessibility: (ramps and guiding blocks), and
  • Sustainability: (solar-powered lighting).

These measures provide a safer, more inclusive, and environmentally friendly pedestrian network for students, faculty, and staff across the campus.

The approximate total travel distance of a vehicle inside Istanbul Okan University’s campus is around 1,564 meters (1.56 km), as measured using Google Earth. This distance represents the internal road network available for vehicles within the campus.

5.18 Impact of Transportation programs in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)


Goal 3: A holistic approach to health and well-being by offering comprehensive medical care, diverse physical activities, and preventative health programs to ensure a healthy and high-quality life for its entire campus community (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts ( Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Goal 17: Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development (Istanbul Okan University, Türkiye)

Istanbul Okan University implements a wide range of sustainable transportation programs aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives promote low-carbon mobility, reduction of air pollution, and the development of safe, inclusive, and accessible transport systems across campus.

The university demonstrates its strong institutional commitment to sustainable mobility through the following key practices:

  • Establishment of integrated pedestrian pathways and bicycle lanes across campus to encourage non-motorized transportation.
  • Operation of low-emission and electric staff vehicles, along with campus shuttle and ring services, to reduce dependence on private cars.
  • Providing on-campus transportation through scooters and golf carts.
  • Installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to support the transition toward clean energy use in transportation.
  • Designation of car-free and limited-access zones within the campus to minimize traffic congestion and air pollution.
  • Implementation of vehicle restriction policies, including license plate limitations, staff/student parking permits, sticker-based registration, and sensor-controlled gate systems.
  • Integration with public transportation through dedicated campus bus terminals and last-mile shuttle connections to enhance accessibility. The Tabeloo application supports this process by providing digital access to shuttle routes and public transportation schedules.
  • Organization of awareness campaigns and mobility education programs to promote safe, healthy, and sustainable commuting habits.
  • Utilization of real-time digital monitoring tools to optimize shuttle routes and improve user experience, including direct coordination between administrative staff and shuttle drivers.
  • Collaboration with public institutions and urban planning authorities to align the university’s mobility strategies with broader city-level transportation plans.

Supported Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

These initiatives directly contribute to SDGs 3, 4, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, and 17, while indirectly supporting other global goals:

  • SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being: Reducing air pollution and promoting active, healthy lifestyles.
  • SDG 4 – Quality Education: Ensuring safe and accessible transport for inclusive education.
  • SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Promoting the use of clean energy in campus transportation.
  • SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Fostering innovation in sustainable transport infrastructure.
  • SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Developing safe, inclusive, and sustainable mobility systems.
  • SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Reducing resource use through shared mobility and efficient transport planning.
  • SDG 13 – Climate Action: Lowering carbon emissions through low-impact, eco-friendly transportation systems.
  • SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthening collaborations to develop integrated and sustainable transport networks.