In today's society, businesses and schools are increasingly promoting so-called "travel programs." This initiative aims to reduce car use, improve health and well-being, and make a positive contribution to communities and the environment by promoting safe, healthy as well as sustainable modes of travel. Such travel plans are undoubtedly becoming an important trend in society, and with it the question arises: What are the amazing secrets behind this?
“Every travel plan is unique, but successful plans tend to follow a structured process.”
Travel planning as a strategy to advance sustainable transportation has some basic characteristics. First, they are not separate tools but are delivery mechanisms or strategies that support other transportation-related measures. Second, these programs are often run by an additional “agent” who is not part of the traditional transport policy agency structure. Travel plans may be initiated either at the initiative of the organization or at the request of the government, and they are designed to provide transportation and related benefits to the wider community.
“The travel plan is customizable, region-specific and designed to meet the needs of local users.”
In the UK, the Department of Transport defines workplace mobility programs as a series of measures developed to encourage employees to use alternatives to single-person driving. As shown when Nottinghamshire County Council first adopted this philosophy in 1995, travel schemes, driven by businesses, have become an important way to promote change in travel behavior. Common initiatives include improving pedestrian and cyclist facilities, promoting public transportation, encouraging ride-sharing, working from home, and remote meetings.
For schools, enabling children to walk, ride or take public transportation to school safely and conveniently not only improves their health, but also reduces air pollution and traffic congestion, providing children with a better learning state. Therefore, local governments are actively assisting schools in developing and implementing travel programs in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Common actions of these programs include promoting the benefits of healthy walking, improving sidewalk facilities, and strengthening the enforcement of traffic regulations around schools.
“Effective travel programs promote support for government policies at multiple levels.”
In addition to enterprises and schools, higher education institutions and medical institutions have also begun implementing travel programs. Especially in terms of service planning in hospitals, this is a relatively new area of development. These programs, often in partnership with local public transportation agencies, may include U-pass systems for student public transportation in addition to the initiatives undertaken by the aforementioned school and workplace programs.
In many countries, real estate developers may be required to provide travel plans as a condition of obtaining planning permission. In the new development, common mobility programs will focus on promoting sustainable transportation and enhancing the contribution of walking and cycling infrastructure.
“These programs not only help realize specific transportation needs, but also create more business opportunities for businesses and communities.”
By combining the forces and actions of all sectors of society, promoting mobility initiatives will not only improve transportation problems, but also promote sustainable development of health and the environment. Facing the future, can the promotion of travel plans change our lifestyle and environment?