As a sustainability-driven university, Universiti Sains Malaysia actively undertakes actions to promote more sustainable commuting by integrating low-carbon, accessible, and inclusive transport systems across its campuses. In 2024, the university continued to enhance eco-friendly mobility through free and subsidised shuttle buses, bicycle parking facilities, cycle tracks, pedestrian walkways, and covered pathways, encouraging walking and cycling as safe and practical alternatives to car use. USM also provides electric bicycles to promote efficient and low-emission travel options within campus grounds.

On 6 May 2024, USM and Rapid Penang launched the T310 bus route, connecting the university to Bukit Jambul and Queensbay. The new service operates daily from 6.00 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. and was introduced to reduce private vehicle usage while improving public access to and from the campus. The route complements the Pas Mutiara My50 and Pas OKU travel cards, promoting affordable and inclusive public transport options for students, staff, and the wider community.

Through the UNEP Electric Mobility Study 2023–2024, researchers from the School of Mechanical Engineering conducted tests on 50 EBixon Bold electric motorcycles to evaluate their performance under Malaysian conditions. This initiative strengthens the adoption of electric vehicle mobility and contributes to Malaysia’s national low-carbon transport goals.

Meanwhile, Bike Commute @ USM organised the Bike Maintenance Workshop on 10 December 2024 and Pedal for People and Planet Vol. 5 on 28 December 2024, engaging students and staff in cycling and sustainable transport awareness. The university also promoted walking and cycling through World Car-Free Day, the Green Ramadan Campaign, and the Penang One Million Trees Project. The Green Ramadan Campaign encouraged the community to walk or cycle to the mosque to reduce vehicle use and promote active mobility during the fasting month. Similarly, the Penang One Million Trees Project incorporated a pedal-powered tree planting activity, where participants cycled to planting sites across the campus, linking environmental stewardship with sustainable commuting behaviour.

Collectively, these initiatives show that USM’s efforts to promote sustainable commuting are active, measurable, and inclusive, reducing emissions, supporting public mobility, and fostering a culture of low-carbon living within the university and the community. Please refer below for the photographs of these actions and the campus map highlighting sustainable commuting routes and facilities.