Results

This video shows some of the employees who took part in A better way to work 2010/11 explaining what taking part in the project has meant to them:

By encouraging commuters to try different types of transport, we aim to change their travel behaviour in the long term. 45% of Edinburgh residents live within 5 miles of their workplace. We believe this offers huge potential for change, especially from solo car journeys to active and sustainable travel. This change will cut pollution, reduce traffic congestion and make Edinburgh's roads safer. Those taking part are likely to boost their health and fitness, reduce their stress and save money in the process.

Active and sustainable transport offer many benefits, both to individuals and to employers:

Forms of active transport such as walking or cycling can improve health and fitness, and help relieve stress. Employees may feel happier, healthier and more relaxed (as well as saving a few pennies along the way!), and employers will benefit from improved employee productivity and reduced sickness rates.

Walking and cycling are not subject to traffic congestion, so journey times are more reliable – that’s less time spent in traffic jams and less lateness. Travelling by bike in a city is often quicker than driving for journeys of less than 2 miles, so business journeys made by bike could save time (and the cost of taxi fares or parking tickets) too.

Catching a bus instead of driving can give commuters more free time to relax (or even catch up on that reading that report for work!) – and by walking to the bus stop they could get closer to reaching the 30 minutes exercise recommended for improving health. Encouraging bus use for local business journeys could save time and money too.

Car Clubs offer 'pay as you go' car use and a real alternative to operating pool cars. This can be an excellent way of reducing the cost of travelling for business, especially if you rent cars or use taxis on a regular basis. For people living and working in Edinburgh the City Car Club can offer a genuine alternative to owning a car.

With more staff travelling to work sustainably, there will be less need for expensive parking.