Government aims to cut car dependency

More than one million people who drive to work each day are to be persuaded to switch to more sustainable forms of transport …

More than one million people who drive to work each day are to be persuaded to switch to more sustainable forms of transport including car-pooling, walking and cycling.

The Smarter Travel Workplaces Programme, unveiled today, aims to see a quarter of a million workers out of their cars by 2012 to reduce carbon emissions.

At present, almost 57 per cent of workers drive to work, with 90 per cent of vehicles containing only the driver, statistics released by the Department of Transport reveal.

Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said the programme hopes to assist companies to achieve a 20 per cent reduction in staff car usage.

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Business can save money, increase productivity and show leadership by introducing strategic workplace practices that encourage car pooling, use of public transport, walking, cycling or reduced travel according to the plan.

Speaking today, Mr Dempsey said: “The Smarter Travel Workplaces programme is there to assist companies to develop effective practices in this area.

"It is encouraging to see so many of Ireland’s top companies already getting involved and producing win-win results for both business and communities," he added.

More than 50 companies have already become partners in the plan and the National Transport Authority aims to have over 100 companies involved by 2012.

Meanwhile, the Rail Procurement Agency is offering 2,000 free luas tickets to the Summer Sensational festival this July. The tickets will be valid for all zones on the green and red luas lines.

The festival includes a wide range of activities from family films, baby discos and kids workshops to world music nights, outdoor movie screenings and exhibitions.