Making smarter choices
Depending on where you live and work, walking, cycling, taking the bus, train, ferry, or a combination of these, may be alternative transport options open to you. Even when you live further away, you can always drive to the nearest station or stop, and complete your journey on public transport. Another option is to drive to an outer suburb and walk the rest of the distance to work. It's about choices - and the choice is yours.
So, why would you choose to use other forms of transport? There are plenty of benefits, including:
- reduced travel costs
- a faster commute
- staying fit and healthy
- reduced congestion
- fewer harmful emissions (such as greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change)
- better environmental quality in towns and cities (such as reduced traffic noise and air pollution).
Check out our advice on options and how to keeping safe while travelling:
Can't use alternative transport for your entire trip?
You can still enjoy the benefits by combining different transport options on the same trip.
Setting up a carpool
Maybe walking, cycling or taking the bus, train or ferry isn't an option. How about setting up a carpool with a friend or colleague? Not only will this help to reduce congestion and harmful emissions, you'll also reduce your fuel and parking costs. Find out more about possible carpooling schemes in your area, and the resources available to help you set up a scheme.
Driving safely and fuel-efficiently
The way you drive affects the amount of fuel your vehicle uses. If you drive more efficiently you'll save on fuel costs and also reduce harmful emissions and improve environmental quality.
See our tips on driving fuel-efficiently.
There's also a link between safety and the environment, as speed is one of the key factors in vehicle crashes. Driving at sensible speeds not only keeps you safer on the road, it also reduces your fuel consumption, saving you money as well as being kinder on the environment.
Learn how to reduce your risk on the road by driving safely.
Flexible work arrangements
You may be able to reduce your travel to and from work through flexi-time, compressed working weeks or working from home. Such flexible working arrangements give you options around how and when you work, contribute to reducing your need to travel, and provide you with the flexibility to avoid travelling at peak hour.
