Griffith University is trialing a suite of sustainable transport technologies to alleviate parking and congestion concerns across campus and community.
Car-share startup RIIDE is one of five new initiatives, underpinned by a 'floating' model that eliminates the time-inefficient task of returning the car to its original pick-up point.
With parking zones dotted across the Gold Coast, and designated parking bays on campus, Griffith students are not bound by public transport schedules or costly ride-sharing apps to get around.
Cities Research Institute Professor Matthew Burke said the system is an attractive option for domestic and international students who do not need a car for every day.
"RIIDE is a real solution for those students who come from overseas, given they all arrive car-free," said Professor Burke.
"If they use the tram to get to class, but want a car for less frequent trips, it's perfect.
"If you want to go up to Springbrook or see Binna Burra in all its beauty it's almost impossible to do unless you spend a lot of money on a very expensive day trip or hire a car downtown.
"The old model of having to go to someone's office, fill out forms, sign up for insurance and then wait to be handed car keys is no longer necessary with services such as RIIDE."
Griffith's partnerships with companies such as RIIDE on the Gold Coast, and carpooling service Lifttango at Nathan, enables students the convenience of travelling by car, but with much less cost.
Professor Burke said inflation is driving housing and transport stress amongst low-income students.
"We know a lot of students in Australian cities, particularly down in Sydney, are spending more than 50 per cent of their income on housing and transport combined," said Professor Burke.
"RIIDE isn't overly expensive.
"To drive a RIIDE vehicle from our Parkwood campus to Gold Coast Airport is far cheaper than using any of the ride-sharing apps."
Griffith's transport alternatives, which also includes electronic scooters and e-bikes, reduces the pain of purchasing a private vehicle, as well as registration, tyres and maintenance costs.
RIIDE's fleet of new-model Toyota hybrids reflects an eco-conscious approach to transport systems, with research revealing shared mobility could decrease Australia's carbon footprint by 41 per cent in 2050.
RIIDE officially launches at O-Week from 27 February at Griffith University's Gold Coast campus.
