Many workplaces are encouraging their employees to cycle, walk, or catch public transport instead of driving to work. Find out how to get your own workplace involved.
For car drivers, commuting to and from work each day can be a stressful, slow and frustrating journey, but it doesn't have to be.
Imagine if your commute allowed you time to enjoy doing the things you enjoyed, like read a book, plan your next holiday or catch a bit of extra sleep.
Or maybe your commute gave you all the daily exercise you need, saving you hundreds of dollars in gym memberships and freeing up an extra hour each day to spend with your children.
If you work at a TravelSmart Workplace, chances are your commute time is something you look forward to, not dread.
Leading by example
The City of Stirling is actively working to encourage its staff to walk, cycle or use public transport more often, for commuting to and from work and also for work-related travel. Some of the ways we do this include:
- We offer new staff members 2 weeks free commuting by public transport, so they can try it for themselves and make an informed decision.
- We have fleet of bicycles which staff can borrow to ride to and from work or simply to enjoy some time on 2 wheels at the weekend.
- We run an annual incentive scheme in spring to get lapsed cyclists back into the habit of riding.
- We provide secure parking options for staff who have a work car for commuting use but who would like to sometimes ride or catch public transport instead.
- We encourage staff members who have work meetings in Perth to take the train not the car, and provide SmartRiders that can be used for this purpose.
Making your Workplace TravelSmart - why bother?
- Because staff who ride or walk to work take less sick leave then staff who drive to work, and are more productive whilst at work too.
- Because it can save you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in fleet management, parking provision and carbon-offset costs.
- Because prospective employees value it, and it can add value to and compliment your employee health program.
Making your Workplace TravelSmart - how to do it?
The City of Stirling TravelSmart Officer can assist workplaces to develop a package of actions suitable for their workplace to encourage staff to walk, cycle or catch public transport to work more often. Contact us on 9205 8555 to discuss your needs.
The Department of Transport also runs an annual TravelSmart Workplace Program and will work intensively with eligible workplaces for 12 months to assist them to become TravelSmart. See their website for more details and application dates.