Green Travel Plans
Green Travel Plans involve the development of policies aimed at reducing car use in the work place. Many organisations are beginning to realise the substantial benefits - to the individual, organisation and wider community that result from reductions in car use. Better work place performance, lower environmental footprint and reduced transport costs are just some of the advantages resulting from Green Travel Plans.
What does a Green Travel Plan involve?
Green Travel Plans involve a suite of measures aimed at increasing transport options. The following offers a snapshot of the different measures that have been used successfully by other organisations and government departments:
Bicycle Users Group (BUGs)
BUGs are a growing feature of the modern workplace. They provide support for existing riders and can be a good entry point for new cyclists. They help create on-going support and encouragement for those that ride and staff considering riding as an option. Activities might include developing a 'bicycle buddy' system, whereby experienced riders are partnered with new riders. It can often be beneficial to organise 'guest speakers' to discuss such matters as bicycle maintenance and safe riding tips and tricks. Intranet
The intranet is a good way of facilitating ongoing travel behaviour change. Perhaps the best example of how the intranet can help reduce car use can be found through car pooling . Programs exist to allow staff to register as a car pool participant. The program matches staff that live within close proximity to each other, enabling them to share a ride. It's a great way to make substantial reductions in fuel costs, emissions and parking requirements.
End of Trip Facilities
One of the primary reasons people choose not to cycle to work is a lack of supportive facilities. Simple improvements such as convenient bicycle parking, showers, lockers and change rooms can help reduce the barriers to regular commuter cycling. Bulk purchase of public transport tickets
A Green Travel Plan is a great way of reducing public transport costs. Organisations are able to bulk purchase public transport tickets at a discount rate, thereby increasing the attractiveness of public transport. Attaching public transport timetables to the intranet makes it easier for staff to be aware of their transport options. Staff Bicycle Fleet
An increasing number of organisations are beginning to experience the advantages of offering bicycles, in addition to cars, as part of their transport fleet. For work trips under 5km, bicycles represent a time efficient, environmentally friendly, healthy transport option, with the added advantage of reducing fuel costs. For more information on bicycle fleet development, visit http://www.travelsmart.gov.au/employers/cyclefriendly.html or contact us. Staff Travel Behaviour Surveys
Before a Green Travel Plan can be implemented, it's important to develop a clear picture of staff travel patterns. The survey captures information from a travel diary, completed by staff, on their daily travel behaviour. An important part of the survey asks what it would take for staff to reduce car use. This helps to offer initiatives likely to be most appropriate to the individual workplace. The staff travel behaviour survey provides a useful baseline measurement to gauge the effectiveness of the Green Travel Program at its completion. Contact us to find out how the Institute can help your organisation develop a Green Travel Plan.
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