Counting the cost of the commute

Many companies do not realise the huge impact that staff transport has on their business, according to James Noakes of ACT Travelwise. Operating inefficient expensive car parks means they pay out a lot of money for space that is not being effectively used, while poor travel options could see them lose out on top staff members, he explains.

However, help is at hand, James states, thanks to what ACT Travelwise calls a Travel Plan. This is a package of measures designed to provide employees with an alternative to commuting to work on their own in one vehicle. These alternatives could include car sharing schemes, improved cycling facilities, a dedicated bus service or restricted car parking allocations.

Speculate to accumulate
For existing staff and potential recruits, environmental responsibility is a growing concern. James says companies with good travel plans are therefore more likely to attract and retain the best applicants.

“Travel planning is a very effective tool that helps drive down costs, too,” he explains.

Get on course
ACT Travelwise is a network for organisations working to encourage sustainable travel in the UK, particularly among businesses. Formed in 2008 from a merger of The Association for Commuter Transport and the National TravelWise Association, it also operates a number of masterclasses throughout the year for its members.

These classes are typically based on a specific topic or case study and allow businesses to witness presentations, go on site visits and take part in discussion groups around the subject of sustainable transport. James says the classes allow members to see a successfully operating Travel Plan first hand.

The network also operates training courses, such as an Introduction to Workplace Travel Planning and a course on marketing travel behaviour change.

Recognition
James believes it is important for businesses that provide good transport links to be acknowledged, which is why ACT Travelwise instigated an award that recognises good practice. The Commuter Friendly Workplace of the Year award is handed out each year at the its National Autumn Conference, with the 2009 incarnation taking place between November 23rd and 24th.

Last year the award was won by the Meadowhall out of town shopping centre in Sheffield for its Travel Plan, which among other things, included a free fuel up at the Meadowhall recharge zone for drivers of electric vehicles.

“We are the only ones who provide awards for this kind of thing, so we provide recognition for the industry and recognition for good practice as well,” says James.

Government should make smarter choices
James says that the Government has a large part to play, as well as businesses, and policies need to be amended.

“If you provide a car parking space for an employee, it’s a tax-free benefit, but if you provide a bus pass, that’s a taxable benefit. This disparity needs to be addressed and the Government can do more than it is to promote sustainable transport,” he explains.

To encourage businesses further, James points to the Government’s Smarter Choice report. This study found that for every pound invested in travel planning, businesses get a ten pound return.

“With returns like that you can’t help wonder why on earth more people aren’t investing in it,” he concludes.