Getting Around Wellington

 

 

 

MEDIA RELEASE

 

 

Thursday 12 July 2008

Overall alternative transport ‘star’ Sylvia Bauer, of Vogeltown.

Rewards for the Car-free   Three Wellington households have been rewarded for their drive to NOT drive as part of Wellington City Council’s ‘Getting Around Wellington’ scheme.  The program aims to respond directly to city dwellers’ frustrations with car travel and ‘knowledge gaps’ about using other forms of transport through face-to-face conversations leading to tailored individual information packs.   Over 700 people passed through the scheme in the past 6 months, and organizers have picked these ‘stars’ for their commitment to reducing their car travel.   The project’s targets are to reduce congestion on city streets and minimize C02 emissions from vehicles as well as increasing uptake of walking, cycling, public transport, and smarter car-use – however the recent petrol price hikes have meant more demand to bring financial rewards to participants.   “Everyone’s motivations are different – saving money on petrol has definitely always been one – but increasingly we hear about the financial need to cut car trips,” says Sustainability Trust project leader Lee Barry.   The participants were not expecting to win prizes, says Ms Barry, but chose to reduce their car travel in order to benefit their health, their personal values, or – in some cases their pockets.

The rewards, which have been donated by project partners Greater Wellington Regional Council, include a gold pass, cycling gear and footwear discount vouchers to encourage these active travelers to stick with their fuel-saving choices   If you want to know more or get some advice about how you can benefit from leaving the car at home, call the Getting Around team on 04 389 3401, or visit www.gettingaround.co.nz

 

	Overall “Getting Around” Star:  Sylvia Bauer, Vogeltown, with husband Matthew and daughter Echo   Sold both household cars and has been car-free since April The family shops on-line and buses to the vegie market Sylvia took a job close to home, with a salary increase instead of a company car park She takes the bus to work everyday and jogs home Matthew cycles to work   “By jogging home my fitness has improved immensely and the exercise improves my mood greatly” Sylvia says. “In the past I wouldn’t have thought we could do without a car, but by planning ahead a little, we can get it all done”
	Getting Around” Walking Star: Jaysell Gopal, Brooklyn   Has reduced her weekly car trips from 15 to 3 She walks to work every day rather than driving She now combines car trips and does one big weekly shop She enjoys the benefits of saving money on petrol; saving herself time spent driving around in her car   She says she was shocked to add up all the times she uses the car in a week –“I just didn’t realise. "The walk in from Brooklyn is a breeze – it only takes about 20 minutes. Going home can be harder but its good exercise” says Ms Gopall, who works on Lambton Quay.
	Getting Around” Cycling Star: Awaroa Rapana, Maupuia   The car used to be her only mode of transport but 17 trips a week is now down to 4 Bought a bike and now cycles to work in Seatoun She also buses and walks locally Cycling has improved her fitness and has reduced her smoking significantly   “I really feel like something is missing if I haven’t been on my bike!” Says Ms Rapana. She plans to share her prize-winning experience with her pupils at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o nga Mokopuna in Seatoun.

 

		Lee Barry Getting Around Wellington Project Leader Ph (+64 4) 389 3401