Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) is pursuing 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.
RMS 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, which balances the needs of public transport passengers, bicycle riders and motorcyclists, pedestrians, motorists and commercial operators.
Bicycles
Cycling to work is a green activity supported by RMS, which funds construction of cycleway infrastructure, produces bike maps and guides and sponsors events to encourage bicycle riding and promote safe cycling. More...
Pedestrians
RMS designs programs and policies to encourage walking as an alternative to the car, for short trips, or as part of a longer journey. The Agency also delivers specific pedestrian facilities on the NSW road network and manages pedestrian facilities, pedestrian mobility and traffic calming programs. More...
RMS is committed to improving pedestrian safety standards, through public education and community initiatives. More...
Buses, trains and ferries
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
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. More...
Teleworking
By working from a home office, or at a location close to home (a telecentre), a hot desking or from a mobile office on an occasional, or regular basis, employees are able to manage their outputs more effectively, decreasing their travel time, road congestion significantly and creating a better work-life balance. More...
Transport Access Guides
Research shows that 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 (such as walking, cycling or public transport). More...
Green travel workshops
RMS 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. More...
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. For example, using video conferencing instead of travelling by car from Sydney to Newcastle and back saves about 83 kilograms of carbon dioxide. That is the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide emitted if you leave your television on for approximately 400 hours.
Calculators
The following calculators may help provide additional information on a range of green initiatives.
DriveGreen calculator
Governments, scientists, industries and ordinary people around the world are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of today’s energy intensive way of life and the level of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions we’re producing. The DriveGreen calculator helps you to calculate the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted from your car each year. It is a useful guide to indicate the benefits you are deriving for the environment by not using your car when you choose a green travel option. The guide also provides in formation on how to offset your vehicle carbon emissions and drive green.
Business case tool calculator
The business case tool calculator (PDF 6 pages 115Kb) is a product of the Victorian Department of Transport that was developed in 2005 and is currently being updated. The aim of this tool is to help employers and organisations calculate the likely savings that can be achieved through implementation of a travel plan.