Green Travel

We often feel there is no alternative to car use. However, with a little imagination, it is possible to cut down on your car use, and in doing so, save on fuel and parking costs, and cut pollution and congestion at the same time.
Alternatives to driving include public transport, walking, cycling, and car sharing. Remember, you don’t have to use alternatives every day, but just giving the car an occasional day off can have benefits for the environment and for your pocket.

If you’re interested in car sharing, check out the Buckscarshare website at www.buckscarshare.co.uk (Opens new window) Buckscarshare has been set up to provide a free matching service for all those who live, work and travel in and around Buckinghamshire. On the site, you can be matched with suitable drivers or passengers with whom to share your journey. Once matched, you can share as little or often as you like. The scheme now has 330461 members and it is claimed that each saves an average of £780.92 per year!

To find out about making your journey by public transport, try www.traveline.info (Opens new window) Simply enter your start point and destination, and the site can provide you with public transport options for your journey. Further information on public transport can be found at www.chilternrailways.co.uk (Opens new window) and www.carouselbuses.com (Opens new window)

If you are heading into London, then why not try www.walkit.com (Opens new window) Here you can find a suggested route for you journey around London on foot. It will tell you how far you’ll be walking and approximately how long it will take you. So you can save money, avoid those dreadful crowded tubes, and get some exercise too!

South Bucks District Council has just signed up with Cyclescheme, the UK’s number one administrator for the Government's Green Transport Plan Initiative. Under this initiative, SBDC employees can make savings on the cost of a new bike by offsetting the price against their income tax.

Full details of the scheme are available on the Cyclescheme website at
www.cyclescheme.co.uk/home,intro.htm