Booking transport for UWE Bristol business
Information on booking a UWE Bristol pool car and other vehicles.
UWE Bristol pool car network
In partnership with Co-Wheels, a car club scheme has been introduced for all UWE Bristol staff for both business and private use. Pool cars have been shown to be a more efficient, economical and environmentally friendly way for staff to travel than private car use.
There are Co-wheels cars located at the East Reception gatehouse at Frenchay Campus.
The cars are available for business use only from Monday to Friday 08:00-18:00, and for private use outside of those times.
Book a pool car
In order to use the pool cars, you will need to join the Co-Wheels scheme. To do this please email Travel.team@uwe.ac.uk requesting membership. Once we have confirmed your eligibility you will receive an email invite with a link to register your details.
What the cars can be used for
The cars are ring-fenced for UWE Bristol business use 08:00–18:00 Monday to Friday. Outside of those times, the cars can be used for commuting or private use.
Becoming a private member is free for UWE Bristol employees, with no membership fee or monthly charges. Staff simply need to join the scheme on the Co-Wheels website and to find out how, read the 'How do I hire the cars?' section below. Hourly charges apply for personal travel. Please ensure you select your personal account for booking non-business journeys.
Hiring the cars
Email Travel.team@uwe.ac.uk so we can authorise use of the cars. You will then be sent a link with sign-up instructions. Bookings can then be made online with only one minute’s notice, provided that the cars are not already booked.
Cost
For business use, your college or service cost centre will be recharged at 45 pence per mile (the same rate as business mileage on a private vehicle). Everything is included in this price (for example, fuel, insurance etc). The cost centre will be recharged automatically so there is no paperwork to complete.
There is an initial set up fee of £10 to the University to cover the required DVLA drivers licence checks.
Personal usage is charged on the basis of an hourly rate, starting from around £4 depending on a car.
Queries about driving the cars
If you have a query about driving the cars, there is a manual provided in each of the cars. Any other queries whilst you have the car can be directed to Co-Wheels on +44 (0)191 375 1055.
Charging
The cars should be plugged back in to their respective charging bays.
Will there be more cars on other campuses?
The Travel and Access Team will be assessing the success of these first cars to ascertain whether the University can benefit from more like it. Should these cars be deemed a success, the potential for further cars at Frenchay and other campuses will be explored.
Co-Wheels and using other cars
Co-Wheels is the social enterprise that runs the pool car for UWE Bristol. Any profits the company makes go straight back into developing car clubs. They aim to reduce car use and change the way people view and use cars. Visit the Co-Wheels website for more information.
If you become a private member of Co-Wheels (which you can do for free as a UWE Bristol employee), you can choose from the range of cars. Visit the Co-Wheels website for more information. For business use however you can only use the three of the above mentioned electric and hybrid cars.
Electric pool bikes
There are a small number of electric pool bikes which staff are able to use for business travel purposes. If you would like to use one please enquire about availability by emailing travel.plan@uwe.ac.uk.
Booking taxis, coaches and hire cars
To book taxis, coaches and hire cars from external providers, please use the booking form. Note that the UWE Bristol pool car should be used as a first preference for return journeys from Frenchay unless they are long trips.
Car parking for visitors
Staff can reserve car parking for visitors on UWE Bristol business through the visitor parking booking form.
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