Workplaces
About TravelSmart workplace projects
The TravelSmart workplace program encourages the use of sustainable modes of transport for journeys to and from a workplace and between workplace sites. The Department of Transport and Main Roads can assist organisations to develop and implement workplace travel plans.
Why run TravelSmart workplaces?
Currently there are 2.8 million motor vehicles registered in Queensland.1 The Department of Transport and Main Roads has estimated that the number of vehicles in Queensland will grow to 3.63 million by 2020.2 More vehicles on the roads mean increase congestion and air pollution. We need to use more environmentally-friendly, less polluting and healthier ways of travelling.
Benefits of a TravelSmart workplace?
A TravelSmart workplace offers benefits to staff, the organisation, the community and the environment.
Staff
- improved health and fitness
- reduced stress
- equal opportunities (providing travel perks throughout the organisation rather than incentives for a few, and supporting staff who do not have access to a motor vehicle).
The employer
- healthier, more motivated workforce
- reduced traffic congestion and improved access to parking for clients and visitors.
The community
- setting an example for and challenging other companies to be TravelSmart
- reduced traffic congestion in the vicinity and motor vehicle parking requirements.
The environment
- improved local air quality with less noise, dirt and fumes, and less impact on other national and global environmental problems.
What is a workplace travel plan?
A workplace travel plan offers strategies for reducing motor vehicle travel to and from work. Strategies can:
- promote alternative travel choices via a marketing plan and events
- improve the quality and availability of site-specific transport information
- offer individual support, such as personalised timetables, to regular visitors
- provide incentives for users of alternative transport modes
- increase the use of technology that may reduce the need to travel to work
- implement Flexible work arrangements (PDF**, 408KB) to reduce congestion in peak times.
How does the program work?
The workplace selects a coordinator to work with the TravelSmart team to:
- provide a point of contact
- assist in identifying travel patterns and issues
- assist in developing and monitoring a workplace travel plan.
A travel plan is developed for the workplace. The process includes:
- analysis of site characteristics (location, road network, public transport services, cycle paths, bike racks and more)
- survey of the travel patterns and information needs of workers
- development, implementation and ongoing monitoring of activities (in collaboration with the workplace). Activities may include information on public transport services, cycling and walking path access
- follow-up surveys of workers to gauge the program's success and to inform program planning and review.
References:
1Department of Transport and Main Roads Facts (2006) page 177.
2Chapman J (2004) The Queensland Motor Vehicle Fleet — Outlook to 2010 and 2010 Prepared by the Department of Transport and Main Roads for the Australian Government Productivity Commission study: Review of the Economic Implications of an Ageing Australia, Department of Transport and Main Roads.
**While this department has taken every possible precaution with the creation of these files, they are downloaded and used at your own risk. Adobe Reader is needed to open and print Portable Document Format (PDF) files and is free to download from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html. Various tools to enable access to these files for people using a screen reader can be found at http://access.adobe.com. Further information is available from the "Help with downloading, reading and printing PDF".
Last updated 29 October 2009
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