What are Smarter Choices?

Smarter Choices is a range of initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of transport on the environment. Developed by the Welsh Assembly Government, these include advocating the use of public transport, car sharing and cycling to work.

The aim is to encourage more sustainable transport choices by directly informing people about their personal travel options.

The Welsh Assembly Government has published a guide to Smarter Choices that is available to download here.

http://gettravelwise.com/smarter-choices

I am a particular fan of Car Share schemes – I used to be involved in a pioneering scheme in London many years ago and it is great to see the idea being revived and promoted again.

As far as Bridgend is concerned, we happen to be close to the border of two WAG funded schemes.
For those who travel regularly into Cardiff, Newport and the Valleys to the north of them, this is the scheme to register an interest with:
http://www.sewtacarshare.com/welcome.asp?lang=en&uxi=&cr=check

For those that travel west, towards Swansea say, then this scheme is for you:
http://www.swwitch2share.com/Default.asp?uxi=&cr=check

What are the benefits of sharing a car?

• Saves you money – travelling with others enables you to reduce your transport costs by up to £1000 a year.
• Reduces the number of cars on the roads – resulting in less congestion, less pollution and fewer parking problems
• Provides a real solution to the transport problems of rural areas
• Gives employees and employers more transport options
• Reduces the need for a private car

For all other frequently asked questions please click here.

Please take a few minutes to register any regular or one-off journeys that you are planning, and see for yourself how easily you can be put in contact with other travellers going your way

ANOTHER VERY SMART IDEA: Traveline.txt

I have to be honest and admit that I am not a big fan of bus travel – but that could be about to change.

I hate going along to bus stops and finding that the next bus is an an hour’s time. I could have stayed indoors or done something more useful in the meantime. Even worse is when there is no timetable at all to refer to.

But now each bus stop has a 7 Letter code (generally on a green circular sticker) that you text to 84268, at your normal text rate) and you will then receive a free reply via text message within 30 seconds showing:

The times of up to the next four buses due at that particular stop
The service number of each bus
The destination of each bus

Real time information will be given, so you know exactly when your next bus is due to arrive!

If there are no buses running after the time you text, you will get a reply with a telephone number for a taxi company approved by the Department for Transport.

Dont forget to keep the bus stop code for next time!

If you don’t want to go to the bus stop for the code, or don’t know where the nearest bus stop is, you can get the information online by visiting the Traveline Cymru website on www.traveline-cymru.info and click on ‘Find Your Bus Stop’. Or you can get the information by calling 08712002233 (10p/min line)

There is even an app for you smart phone users – called NextBuses.mobi

Full details here: http://www.traveline-cymru.info/bus-times-on-your-mobile-phone/