By: Crystal Keyamo
The University of New Brunswick (UNB) recently celebrated its inaugural Mobility Day, an event designed to foster dialogue on transportation issues affecting students and communities, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. Organized by Professor of Civil Engineering and Community Transportation Research Lab (CTRL) founder, Trevor Hanson, Mobility Day aimed to spotlight both local and broader issues in community transportation and lay the groundwork for actionable change.
The event was inspired by a similar Mobility Day in Stuttgart, Germany, led by Prof. Lutz Gaspers of HFT Stuttgart, who attended both the UNB Fredericton and Saint John gatherings. Reflecting on its goals, Dr. Hanson explained, “Mobility Day provides an anchor for discussing transportation issues and an opportunity to promote change within our communities.” By addressing core issues such as inadequate parking and high transportation costs, the event sought to emphasize the complexity of transportation demands on campus and the need for sustainable alternatives, especially for students without access to public transit.
Two events took place—one at UNB Fredericton, which had to pivot online due to a power outage, and one at UNB Saint John, which proceeded smoothly. Activities included a micromobility demonstration, a research showcase, and a roundtable featuring student leaders from multiple institutions. The event in Saint John featured e-bikes from the NB Lung Association and an electric Flex Bus from Saint John Transit, which were popular among attendees.
“We were thrilled to collaborate with student leaders from UNB, St. Thomas University, and the New Brunswick Community College,” Dr. Hanson said, acknowledging the support from various campus groups and transportation experts. Participants expressed enthusiasm about the event’s potential to drive future innovations in campus and community mobility.
Looking ahead, organizers hope to expand Mobility Day with more community involvement, micromobility options, and pilot transportation services. “I envision this event as a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and a catalyst for accessible transportation,” Dr. Hanson said. The event’s success has laid the foundation for an annual tradition, with hopes of future Mobility Days to be held in other New Brunswick communities and campuses.
