Roads and Maritime Services is working on a range of initiatives aimed at reducing car dependence, lessening carbon pollution and improving air quality. Cars are one of the most greenhouse-intensive and expensive methods of transport, especially when they’re carrying just the driver.
Roads and Maritime Services supports the principle of moderating traffic growth by encouraging people to leave their car at home and use a range of green travel options. The aim is to maximise the capacity of the existing road network, while balancing the needs of public transport passengers, bicycle riders and motorcyclists, pedestrians, motorists and commercial operators.
Pedalling
Cycling to work is a green activity supported by Roads and Maritime Services, who fund construction of cycleway infrastructure and sponsors events to encourage bicycle riding and promote safe cycling. Roads and Maritime Services has produced a variety of resources including bike maps and guides. Please click here for more information.
The NSW BikePlan is the largest program of bicycle construction projects and encouragement actions ever prepared for NSW. The NSW BikePlan combines investment in cycling infrastructure with a range of social programs and policy initiatives designed to ensure riding a bike becomes as easy as walking or driving for short local trips. Please click here for more information.
Walking
Roads and Maritime Services designs programs and policies to encourage walking as an alternative to the car, for short trips, or as part of a longer journey. We also deliver specific pedestrian facilities on the NSW road network and manages pedestrian facilities, pedestrian mobility and traffic calming programs. Please click here for more information.
Roads and Maritime Services is also committed to improving pedestrian safety standards, through public education and community initiatives. Please click here for more information
Using public transport
Using public transport such as buses, trains or ferries to reach a desired location is considered to be less damaging to the environment, and contributes less to traffic congestion than one-person car journeys. For more information on public transport visit www.131500.com.au
Most people over-estimate the time taken to travel by public transport, and underestimate the time taken by car, even if they are already aware of the environmental consequences of their choice. Travel by public transport can be used productively – for reading, work, relaxation, etc., but time in a car can be stressful. Transport access guides show you how to travel to your destination using green transport options like walking, cycling or public transport. Please click here for more information.
Car pooling and sharing
Car pooling or ride sharing, particularly for journeys to work and where public transport is limited, is a cheaper travel option and great way to reduce single occupant vehicle travel. Car sharing is a model of car rental where people can rent cars for short periods of time, often by the hour; also car share parking may be available close to your office or workplace. Please click here for more information.
Green workplace travel program
Roads and Maritime Services has developed a Green Travel Workshop program for organisations who wish to decrease their employees, customers and client’s reliance on cars to travel to and from their premises. The travel planning workshops are free-of-charge for organisations. Please click here for more information.
Further information about promoting green travel options in the workplace can also be found on the Premier's Council for Active Living website at www.pcal.nsw.gov.au.
Teleworking
By working from a home office, or at a location close to home (a telecentre), on an occasional or regular basis, employees are able to manage their outputs more effectively, decrease their travel time, reduce road congestion, create a better work-life balance and help the environment. Please click here for more information.
Video and teleconferencing
If you’re looking for a way to reduce your work related travel carbon footprint, consider making greater use of video or teleconferencing facilities, instead of travelling by car or plane. The carbon savings can be significant.