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making a move on transport

Nestrans, the transport partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire, is increasing its efforts to encourage people to consider their transport options.

"Travel awareness" is a key area of focus as the partnership highlights the range of benefits associated with individuals using the bus, the train, walking, cycling or car-sharing as alternatives to single-occupancy car use.

It supports travel planning among businesses and organisations, encouraging them to assess and support the most effective and efficient ways for their personnel to travel to and from work.

Councillor Kevin Stewart, Chair of Nestrans, said it is vital that travellers are able to make informed choices, to know what their practicable options are and then decide what works best for them in their everyday lives.

"The advantages to be gained when people are able to use sustainable means of transport are diverse.

"The environmental gains are obvious and people who choose to walk or cycle can enjoy health benefits.

"More strategically, they mean our roads are less congested and make for a more efficient and reliable transport network."

Derick Murray, Nestrans Director, said: "Our strategy encompasses significant improvements to our roads network but also seeks to secure faster and more frequent rail services, and continued enhancements to local bus services through, for example, new park and ride facilities. It also features proposals for new cycling and walking routes.

"Around 85% of commuting cars in the region at present have only one occupant and our target is to see a steady reduction in that figure as more viable options continue to be developed."

Nestrans is working with several major organisations in the region - including local authorities, higher education institutions and the NHS - to raise the profile of travel planning and travel awareness.

"These organisations already have dedicated travel planners and we strive to support their work to reduce single-occupancy car use," he said.

"They include the Dyce Transport Management Organisation which works to improve travel conditions for commuters and local people.
It was formed by a number of major employers in Dyce and it is the first body of its kind in Europe."

Nestrans has:
A car-sharing website www.nestranscarshare.com
A scheme to provide match funding to organisations investing in
measures to promote more sustainable travel by employees or customers
Support for the website www.walkit.com which helps people map out walking routes in and around Aberdeen.