Rachael Law Lower Hutt Apr 11, 2012 18:07 pm

Hi all,

I am working on a project that reduces the number of employees commuting by single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips, specifically in low density urban areas (most New Zealand cities (excluding the biggies like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch) basically).

In New Zealand the system with public transport is a little bit strange in that funding is NOT a given. So what generally happens is that in low density areas the public transport is not great, if it is there at all. As a result there is a perception by employees that there is little other choice than to drive alone in the car.

What I am trying to do is find ways of encouraging employees to change their travel behaviour to more sustainable modes (busing, taking the train, car-pooling, walking, cycling etc.) and in particular I was wondering if anyone has attempted this and has some specific practices that worked.

From reading on other forums posted, a factor I have a feeling might be important is Local Government funding, and with the situation in New Zealand this is not always readily availble. I am interested therefore in both Local Goverentment initiatives AND "bottom up" type approaches.

Thanks in advance,
Rachael Law

Rachael Law
Environmental Student
Powerco
New Zealand