Travelling Smarter for the Future

It’s a fact that traffic congestion costs the Australian economy about $21 billion per year.  This figure is set to triple by 2015*.

Did you know that people who drive to work are 13% more likely to be overweight or obese than those who walk, cycle or use public transport, regardless of income level**? 

This is part of the reason why the Department of Transport and Main Roads has commissioned Urban Trans ANZ to undertake the TravelSmart program on the Sunshine Coast (including the Caboolture and Bribie Island areas). UrbanTrans ANZ will contact 72,000 households in those areas to conduct their survey. They will be offering participants free travel information and incentives.

* The Bus Industry Confederation (2007) and The Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics (BTRE)
**Sydney Morning Herald (2006) http://www.smh.com.au

Business Matters Magazine asked UrbanTrans ANZ some questions on what that means to you.

Q.  What is the TravelSmart project about, and who is it for?

A.  The project is primarily about encouraging sustainable transport (walking, cycling, carpooling, public transport). We will provide information and incentives on alternative options such as:    

o    Bus and train time tables for the local area
o    Walking and cycling route maps
o    go card information
o    Buying, maintaining and shopping by bicycle
o    How to set up a carpooling group

Part of the project will involve householders at their place of business (for their convenience) and will cover anyone living in:
o    Nambour
o    Noosa
o    Coolum
o    Maroochydore
o    Mooloolaba
o    Caloundra
o    Caboolture
o    Bribie

Q.     Why is this important?  

A.    There are several reasons for the importance of the project. These include; mobility, the reduction of traffic congestion and of course parking issues.  
There is the environmental component including reducing CO2 emissions.  
Then, of course, we have to consider what it means personally to people, improving their health, increasing financial savings.  In the Community, it helps to improve safety; it utilises infrastructure and resources which in turn drives demand for new infrastructure.

Q.    How can local businesses benefit from the TravelSmart project?

A.    Businesses can benefit from the fact that their employees will have improved health which will reduce health cost and absenteeism due to sickness. It also increases the employees’ range of transport options, we believe that active transport among community members will encourage more local patronage.

With more people on buses and bikes there will also be better traffic flow, better parking which will in turn increase accessibility for patrons. This will boost business image in general to help them to be seen as more community-minded and environmentally friendly.

Q.  How can businesses participate in the project?

A. If you are a business with less than 200 staff and you would like to participate
Simply email this web link to all your staff e.g. www.urbantrans.com/travelsmart
You will then receive delivery of their TravelSmart pack either to your business address or directly to your home.

Q.     Where can people go for more information on the project?

Call 5493 1189 to speak with a staff member, or email general enquiries to contact@urbantrans-anz.com

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