“Individual conversations usually last 10 minutes, but some people like to talk for longer!” says liaison worker Tessa Coppard. “The great thing is when you really connect with someone who really wants help to find alternative ways to travel that actually work for them.” Specific feedback is then given to inform them of ways they might reduce their car use; available services are discussed, timetable and route details are outlined.
The five-person liaison team has been working at outdoor summer events as well as libraries and recreation centres to meet people who want to make changes to their travel behaviour. So far, the response has been overwhelming, with over 250 people contacted in just 2 months. “We aim to engage with at least 700 individuals before the project ends – and hopefully most of them will change at least one journey a week and reduce their car trips,” says project leader Lee Barry. “If we can encourage people to break their car habit with one small change, we are well on the way to re-thinking our car dependant culture”. But the focus must be on benefits for the individual - “people change when they are ready and when the alternative is attractive and easy, not when it makes life harder – we’re not into adding pressure to already busy lives!”
Benefits gained from leaving the car at home are varied – exercise and savings on fuel are obvious says Lee, but there are hidden rewards like enhanced connection with the community and safer streets.
The team will be running weekly public workshops in local community centres – the next one is on January 22 at 6.30pm at Kilbirnie Community Centre. They can also arrange group travel advice sessions for churches, clubs or schools, as well as individuals. For more information see www.gettingaround.co.nz or call 04 389 3401.
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