In today's fast-paced world, promoting active travel has become increasingly important for individuals and organisations alike. By encouraging employees to choose sustainable modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, and utilising public transport networks, organisations can not only contribute to reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions but also enhance employee well-being and productivity. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of developing an active travel strategy for your organisation, with a particular focus on utilising the available public transport networks.
Understanding the Benefits of Active Travel:
Active travel refers to any form of human-powered transportation that promotes physical activity. By incorporating active travel into your organisation's culture, you can reap numerous benefits, including:
a. Reduced carbon footprint: Utilising public transport networks can significantly reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road, resulting in lower carbon emissions and improved air quality.
b. Improved employee well-being: Encouraging active travel fosters a healthier workforce, leading to lower rates of absenteeism, improved mental health, and increased productivity.
c. Cost savings: Using public transport networks allows employees to save money on fuel, parking fees, and vehicle maintenance costs, resulting in financial benefits for both employees and the organisation.
d. Enhanced corporate social responsibility: By actively promoting sustainable travel options, organisations can demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Assessing Public Transport Networks:
With extensive and ever improving public transport infrastructure, there is now a multitude of options for individuals and organisations. When developing your active travel strategy, it is crucial to assess the available public transport networks in your area, including:
a. Trains: Rail networks connecting cities, towns, and rural areas, providing a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transport.
b. Buses: Local bus services offer flexible and accessible transportation options, with comprehensive networks covering both urban and rural areas.
c. Trams or Light Rail: Dublin currently offers an efficient tram or light rail system, the Luas, providing a reliable means of commuting within metropolitan areas.
d. Ferries: If your organisation is located near a waterway, exploring ferry services can provide an alternative and scenic mode of transportation.
Promoting Public Transport Utilisation:
To encourage employees to utilise public transport networks, consider implementing the following strategies:
a. Educate and raise awareness: Inform employees about the benefits of public transport, such as reduced travel stress, increased physical activity, and environmental sustainability. Promote these benefits through internal communication channels, workshops, and awareness campaigns.
b. Provide incentives: Consider offering the Taxsaver Ticket and Bike to Work schemes, making it more financially viable for employees to choose these options.
c. Enhance infrastructure: Work with local authorities to improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, ensuring safe and convenient access to public transport stops and stations.
d. Lead by example: Encourage organisational leaders and managers to embrace active travel themselves, setting an example for employees and creating a culture that values sustainable transportation choices.
Overcoming Challenges and Obstacles:
While utilising public transport networks for active travel has numerous benefits, there can be challenges and obstacles to consider. Address these concerns by:
a. Addressing time constraints: Some employees may perceive public transport as less time-efficient compared to private vehicles. Highlight the advantages of using travel time for relaxation, reading, or catching up on work using Wi-Fi-enabled transportation options.
b. Ensuring accessibility: Assess the accessibility of public transport stations and stops for employees with disabilities or reduced mobility. Advocate for inclusive infrastructure improvements to accommodate all individuals.
c. Providing flexibility: Recognise that employees may have varying work schedules and commitments. Encourage flexibility by offering options such as flexitime, remote work, or compressed workweeks to accommodate public transport schedules.
d. Assisting with the first and last mile: Recognise that the distance between public transport stops and employees' homes or workplaces may pose challenges. Offer solutions like secure bicycle parking facilities, shared mobility options, or shuttle services to bridge the gap.
Supporting Active Travel Initiatives:
To fully integrate active travel into your organisation's culture, consider the following supportive initiatives:
a. Install facilities for active travel: Provide secure bicycle storage, showers, changing rooms, and lockers to encourage cycling or walking to work. These amenities make active travel more convenient and appealing to employees.
b. Conduct travel surveys: Gather data on employees' commuting habits and preferences through surveys to understand their needs better. Use this information to tailor your active travel strategy and support individual choices.
c. Organise events and challenges: Encourage employee participation by organising events such as bike-to-work days, walking challenges, or public transport scavenger hunts. These activities foster a sense of community and motivation to embrace active travel.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
Regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of your active travel strategy to ensure continuous improvement. Consider the following metrics:
a. Mode share: Track the percentage of employees using active travel modes and public transport over time. Monitor trends and identify areas where further promotion or support may be required.
b. Employee feedback: Conduct periodic surveys or feedback sessions to gauge employee satisfaction and gather suggestions for improvements. Address concerns promptly to maintain engagement and participation.
c. Environmental impact: Calculate the reduction in carbon emissions and the positive environmental impact resulting from increased active travel and reduced reliance on private vehicles.
d. Health and well-being outcomes: Assess the impact of active travel on employee health and well-being by monitoring indicators such as employee absenteeism rates, productivity levels, and overall job satisfaction.
Developing an active travel strategy that focuses on utilising available public transport networks can bring about significant benefits for your organisation, employees, and the environment. By addressing challenges, providing support, and monitoring progress, you can foster a culture that embraces sustainable travel choices. Embrace the power of active travel, leverage our robust public transport infrastructure, and lead the way towards a greener, healthier future for your organisation and the community at large.
To find out more about how you can offer tax free active travel options to your staff check out https://www.travelhub.ie/bike-to-work and https://www.travelhub.ie/taxsaver-tickets
