Guide 2:
Look into alternative transport options
There are many travel options that don’t involve the traditional fleet model that are convenient, reliable and low-cost. These options could work for all or parts of your organisation.
Your organisation’s travel policy should make it clear to staff members that they need to consider all transport options, as well as the need to travel in the first place, where technology such as video meetings could be used.
When choosing between travel options, you should consider if the options are:
- Reliable and time-efficient
- Easy to access
- Comfortable and safe
- Cost-effective.
For trips that are not walking distance, consider:
- Car and ride sharing – Car sharing schemes allow hiring vehicles on an hourly basis, saving ongoing running costs and reducing traffic. These services are now part of the All-of-Government (AoG) rental vehicles contract under the less-than-one-day category.
- E-scooters and e-bikes – An easy, cheap alternative for short trips, but it’s important to promote using them safely.
- Public transport – Public transport, where appropriate (and reliable), helps reduce reliance on fleet vehicles. Staff can sometimes be more productive when using public transport, as they could work rather than focus on driving. Buses using bus lanes, trains, and ferries can often be faster and more reliable than cars in congested traffic. Make it easy for staff members to use public transport by having public transport passes available for work-related travel.
- Rentals and taxis – Rental cars can be used where you need more vehicles than usual or occasional use of specialist vehicles, instead of keeping too many vehicles in your fleet or having vehicles which are larger than you normally need.
- All providers on the AoG rental vehicles panel offer electric and hybrid options.
- The less-than-one-day rentals category in the AoG rental vehicles contract is a great alternative to taxis while saving carbon emissions.
- Taxi services often use electric vehicles. Look to take electric vehicle taxis where you can, to support lower emissions.
- Driving a fleet vehicle – While it is often convenient to pick up a fleet vehicle from the workplace, staff members also need to consider traffic congestion and the availability and cost of parking at their destination. Smart vehicle booking systems can help optimise vehicle allocation to meet people’s needs. Fleet managers, or other designated persons, need to ensure drivers have a current driving licence valid for the class of vehicle they will be driving.
Less-than-one-day rentals - a great alternative to reducing emissions