What is TravelWise

TravelWise is a national campaign to promote and encourage sustainable and healthy travel choices, rather than relying on the car for all journeys. There’s no doubt that cars are valuable in people’s lives, but they don’t have to be used for every single journey.

TravelWise helps people to consider what other options might be available to them. Instead of automatically taking the car, why not take a moment to think about whether the bus, train or tram is more appropriate or convenient for the journey? For short journeys, such as the trip to the local shop or to school, then walking or cycling can be much quicker. It’s healthier too.

ACT TravelWise (ACTTW) is a partnership of Councils, businesses and other organisations who work together to encourage people to think about alternative methods of travel. ACTTW has a well established membership with national, regional and local networks. The West Midlands ACT TravelWise Group is working with businesses and organisations to promote Travel Plans. Wolverhampton City Council is using the TravelWise brand to underpin its work to promote sustainable travel and works closely with other Local Authorities, the West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority, Centro and Public Transport Operators.

Here are some examples of changes you could make. Don’t forget that a small change can make a big difference.

• Jump on a bus. Wolverhampton has a large fleet of buses, many of them gas powered so pollution is kept to a minimum. They travel along many routes, often with bus lanes giving them priority over other traffic.
  
• Take the train or the metro. The smooth and comfortable way to get around. Have the time and comfort to read the newspaper or a good book and arrive at work with a clear head.
  
• Share a car with someone who travels the same or a similar journey. You can still travel by car but there will be one fewer cars on the road. It’s also a great way of making friends and by sharing the cost of petrol you can save money too.
  
• Cycle or walk to work if you live close by – it is usually quicker than waiting in a traffic jam in the city centre and great for keeping fit.

We all know how that the roads are less busy during the school holidays, but this is due to only a 15% reduction in the number of cars on the road. A small change makes a big difference.