TravelSmart
Council is committed to reducing single occupant car use, traffic congestion and car dependency, while increasing walking, bike riding and public transport use.
We want people to use their cars less and when they do, to have more than one person in it.
Some of the reasons people are concerned are:
- traffic congestion and delays
- high cost of advanced road systems
- air and noise pollution, and
- our increasing dependence on non-renewable fuels.
Studies now show there are personal health and social consequences of high levels of car travel. There is further concern that Australians may be 'building in' car dependency into our children, making our problems much worse in the future.
TravelSmart asks people to make voluntary changes in their travel choices, encouraging people to use other ways of getting about rather than driving alone in a car. For example – using buses, trains and trams, carpooling or by cycling or walking.
Think about your travel needs
TravelSmart asks you to think about your travel needs.
- Use alternative transport to the car, for example using walking, cycling and public transport.
- Reduce the negative impacts of the car on traffic congestion and air pollution
- Recognise the health benefits of incidental exercise such as walking or cycling.
- Choose shops and facilities that are near you to reduce the need to travel and to support your local businesses
TravelSmart is essentially a voluntary program that aims to inform and motivate people for changing their traveling behaviour through personal choice. It does not involve any form of regulations, fees or taxes directed at compelling changes in travel behaviour.
Give your body a treat and occasionally travel at least part of the way to work under your own steam! Walking, riding, running, roller blading etc to get to work will not only give you a sense of accomplishment but you can feel good knowing that you are doing your bit for the environment. Try combining using public transport with walking or riding.
Public transport can get you to work without the stress of battling traffic. Public transport timetables and maps are available in the foyer of the Civic Centre, 90 Bell Street Coburg.
Track your progress
Need an incentive to get walking or riding? Walk or ride all or part of the way to work.
Walking
Get a pedometer, set a goal, register on the TravelSmart WalkSmart website and track your progress.
TravelSmart maps
A TravelSmart map clearly shows public transport as well as good walking and riding routes. It will help you plan getting from A to B using your feet, bike or public transport.
When you hop out of the car and use an alternative mode of transport a whole range of routes present themselves – you don't have to stick to main roads. Choose some quiet backstreets and enjoy your trip – at the same time as getting some essential exercise.
Download the Moreland TravelSmart map (PDF 8Mb) or get one from a Metlink office or a Council Citizen Service Centre
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