promoting public transport

Many people say they would use public transport ‘if it were better’. But what does this actually mean? What are the real barriers stopping your staff from using public transport to get to work? Often, fairly minor changes can have significant benefits to some travellers, many of which you can implement yourself.

Actions to consider:

Providing Information

“I would use public transport, but there’s no bus from where I live”.

Many car drivers are under the impression that there is no feasible public transport alternative for their commute, but in many cases this impression is false. Simply enlightening staff to the alternatives that they have will often be enough to stimulate a shift towards public transport. The measures could be as simple as:

• distributing leaflets, maps and timetables
• displaying posters, or
• arranging a ‘Bus Surgery’ by one of Nexus’ Bus Area Managers - contact the Smarter Choices Team to arrange.

Discounted Travel

To make public transport even more cost competitive, operators offer a range of discounts. Significantly reduced prices are available for corporate bulk orders. Furthermore, the potential for employees to purchase their tickets through salary sacrifice schemes can offer them huge tax savings; as well as saving the employer through reduced National Insurance contributions. Check out the Tyne & Wear Guide to Staff Travel Discounts to see what’s on offer.

Service Improvements

Though it may seem difficult to bring about service improvements, operators can be surprisingly open to suggestions – particularly if you go armed with a well-researched travel plan. It may be unrealistic to expect the provision of brand new services running at ten minute intervals, but look for relatively small improvements that could bring large benefits to your employees.

Infrastructure

The provision of high-quality waiting facilities encourages the use of public transport. Safe, comfortable, well-lit shelters can make the public transport experience much more enjoyable, so think about working with Nexus to improve your local bus stop and provide these facilities where they aren’t available.

Similarly, it’s pointless having a nice bus stop if your staff then have to negotiate dark underpasses or broken pavements to get to your site. Work with your local authority to ensure the provision of a high-quality walking route direct to your door.