GMPTE Sustainable Travel Plan 1. Introduction 1.1 What is a Travel Plan and why have one?
The production and adoption of a GMPTE Travel Plan is a Local Transport Plan requirement, and also a key GMPTE business objective. The Travel Plan aims to meet Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority and Government policies to increase the social, economic and environmental sustainability of travel. GMPTE can contribute primarily by: • • • • Reducing the number of GMPTE Travel to Work journeys made by private car. Reducing the use of private cars for Travel at Work. Encouraging alternatives to the car for journeys both to and at work. Reducing the overall need for travel by GMPTE staff.
The staff survey shows a relatively healthy picture – for instance fewer than 4 out of 10 journeys to work are by car compared to typical 7 out of 10 for a local Council within Greater Manchester. Nevertheless, there is still scope for improvement. Section 2 of this report summarises the survey results. This summary should be read together with the tables in the Appendix. Section 3 of the report outlines the principles and actions within our Travel Plan. 1.2 What this Travel Plan is not
Many organisations produce glossy, Travel Plans with targets intended to impress. But often the plans will never be used, and the targets in them will not be met. This plan is intended to be a practical guide both to our managers and employees about the principles and actions we can take to reduce the environmental impact of the travel of our employees. This plan is not intended to preach, or force our employees to change the way they travel. We all lead complicated lives, and for different journeys, different modes will be appropriate. However in many cases we may be able to reduce our car use. Of course GMPTE tries to ensure that frequent, reliable and affordable public transport is provided in Greater Manchester for anyone who lives, works, shops, is educated or visits the county for any reason. In this way GMPTE helps many other organisations meet their own Travel Plans. If you would like any more information on preparation of a Travel Plan, including public transport information and ticketing, please contact our Travel Plan coordinator through the GMPTE web site. 1.3 How was this plan produced?
On 19 January 2000 GMPTE Full Time Directors’ Group authorised: • • A staff travel questionnaire as the first stage in the preparation of a GMPTE Travel Plan, and Preparation of an action plan setting out the resource implications
Following a staff travel survey in spring 2000 a draft GMPTE Travel Plan was developed which was subjected to consultation with staff and relevant unions. In July 2002 GMPTE Full Time Directors’ Group resolved amongst other things to: • • • • Note the results of consultation with staff on the draft Travel Plan. Approve immediate implementation of the plan. Request a further report to FTDG. Approve certain items of expenditure from our Green Travel Plans budget.
2. GMPTE Staff Survey Questionnaires were circulated with pay slips to all employees in March 2000. To maximise the response rate, staff were offered the opportunity to make suggestions for “greening” office practices, with the offer of a prize for the best suggestion. These suggestions were pursued separately. Additional publicity for the survey was achieved through a notice circulated to all departments before the event, through Team Briefings and through a “reminder” memo to all departments. 2.1 Staff Survey Response 170 forms were returned out of 359 distributed - a response rate of 47%. This compares favourably with similar surveys carried out by other public sector organisations in Greater Manchester, which range from 28% to 46%. The proportion of male and female respondents reflects the balance in GMPTE as a whole, but the response rate varied between departments, with a better response from transport professional staff. This means care must be taken in interpreting the results. Since there is likely to be a marked difference in travel behaviour between officebased staff (9 Portland Street or Portland Tower) and operational staff, results have been broken down into these two categories. 2.2 Current travel to work arrangements 2.2.1 Male and female travel to work • • • Overall 61% of respondents already travel to work by public transport, walking and cycling, as against 39% by car. The 61% using sustainable modes breaks down into 10% by Metrolink, 26% by bus, 22% by train and 2% cycling or walking. Men are more likely to travel by car, women by other modes.
2.2.2 Office and operational staff travel to work The high proportion of office staff (74%) already travelling by sustainable modes is probably influenced by:
• • •
The city centre location of most staff. Free travel within Greater Manchester by public transport. Greater awareness of public transport and environmental issues within GMPTE.
2.2.3 Frequency of driving to work Of those who use the car for work, most do so every day, but slightly less than half already use another mode on some occasions. Operational staff are more likely to drive to work than office-based staff and are more likely to use a car every day. 2.2.4 Parking Most employees who drive to work have free parking provided by GMPTE. Parking may be part of the explanation why free public transport does not result in more people using it for work. A review of free staff parking is needed. 2.2.5 Reasons given by staff for driving to work Subject to careful interpretation (needed because of the low response rate from nonprofessional staff), this shows that a variety of both positive factors (car needed for work) and negative factors (no convenient public transport available) are considered important by employees when they choose to travel to work by car. Successful reduction in car use to, from and at work will need to address both positive and negative factors. 2.3 Travel at Work 2.3.1 Work hours Working patterns can strongly influence the mode choice. Early starts, late finishes, weekend working and shift working may all make public transport less convenient. Operational staff are more likely to finish work after 6pm, work weekends on a regular basis, and work shifts. All these factors can make the use of public transport less convenient. However it should be noted that off-peak car travel raises fewer environmental issues than peak hour travel. 2.3.2 Use of cars during working hours Cars or vans are essential for carrying equipment and for call-out at short notice, although there is no reason why these should be private vehicles rather than pool vehicles owned by GMPTE. In addition, a high proportion of car use is for site visits and meetings, which suggests that there is scope for many of these trips to be made by public transport. In some cases the journey might be slower by public transport, but there is often an opportunity to work. Staff who used the car for meetings or site visits were asked if, in their opinion, these trips could be made in another way.
2.3.3 Alternative transport for meetings and site visits The results seem to confirm that there is scope for more use of public transport, and the practicalities and economics of using pool vehicles or taxis are worthy of investigation. Savings including parking and car allowances could offset these costs. 2.4 Increasing use of Public Transport 2.4.1 Staff suggestions The questionnaire asked what improvements would persuade respondents to use public transport. If they were already public transport users, they were asked what improvements they would most like to see. Service reliability and frequency are overwhelmingly important, mirroring general public preferences. Following consultation on the draft Travel Plan itself a number of responses were received. In general the principles of the Travel Plan were fully supported. The main comments received were: • • • • • • • Essential Car Users Allowance – most responses commented on the role of ECU in encouraging excessive staff car use. Several recommendations to replace ECU were made. Countywide Bus/Train/Metrolink passes to replace current issue to cover business travel throughout the county and reduce administration/petty cash issues. The creation of a car pool within GMPTE. The withdrawal of free car parking facilities. Smart Cards for staff. Spouse bus passes. Frustration was expressed that changing and shower facilities for staff who wish to cycle to work should be provided without further delay.
2.4.2 Increasing Cycling and Walking Most staff live too far from work to walk. However the number of people who might be prepared to consider cycling as an alternative to the car is surprisingly high. Overall, over 30 (around 15%) respondents suggested improvements that could make them consider cycling. Improved cycle paths, particularly to public transport access points such as Railway Stations, and convenient and secure cycle parking could be promoted as part of GMPTE integration proposals. Improved changing facilities (showers and lockers in particular) along with better cycle parking at GMPTE premises could lead to a switch from car and public transport to cycle use for journeys to work. Benefits include improved employee health and reduced crowding on public transport.
2.5 Travel Survey Conclusions For travel to work the proportion using sustainable modes appears at first sight to be high, particularly for “office based” staff. However, considering that journeys to work by public transport are free, the proportion could be higher. The survey results suggest that there should be scope to achieve this since: • • • • Just under half of car users already use another mode for some journeys to work. Perceived need to use the car at work is a major reason for car travel. Many would consider cycling if better facilities were provided. Free parking encourages many GMPTE staff to drive to work.
For travel at work, the survey suggests there is scope to reduce car use as: • • • Where cars are used at work, most trips are for site visits and meetings. Many staff feel they could make some of these journeys in another way. A review of free parking for GMPTE staff is needed.
Greater use of public transport by GMPTE staff also has the major benefit of providing first hand experience current conditions on buses and trains. As the need to use a car for work is cited by many as the reason for driving to work, any reduction in car use at work is likely to reduce car travel to work as well. Car use to, from and at work could be tackled by: • • • • Reducing the need to travel by reducing meetings. More use of other methods of communication. Close monitoring of travel patterns and mileage claims. Better control over timing and location of meetings.
3. GMPTE Travel Plan – Action Plan The Travel Survey and consultation on the draft Travel Plan provided good baseline information to help produce a full Travel Plan. The principles listed below are the base of our Travel Plan. The Plan covers sensitive issues and relies on the acceptance and active involvement of staff, so different principles will be developed at different speeds. Actions common to both Travel to, from and at Work Action Reason Continue to base as many office staff in Easy access to most parts of Greater central Manchester as possible Manchester makes it easy to use Public Transport to get to work and for meetings and site visits. Individual in each ‘business unit’ to be Helps implementation and ensures quick designated as Travel Plan Co-ordinator. feedback of problems and ideas. Review of home-working Could result in reduction in all travel to work including car use. Review of free parking for GMPTE staff Driving to work may be encouraged by free parking for many GMPTE staff. Monitoring on basis of percentage of Monitoring is an essential component of staff travelling to work by non-car modes any plan Staff and unions to be fully consulted. Participation and agreement essential to produce the most effective plan and ensure its acceptance. Additional Travel Survey for GMPTE Although overall response was good, functions with low response rate to some functions returned less than 1 in 5 original survey. forms. This may be significant. Further work on motivation (such as safety issues) would be valuable. Periodic survey to establish if travel plan Aim for continuous improvement. Staff is working and identify changes needed. will continue to be involved in the process. Actions relevant to ‘Travel to Work’ Action Continue to provide free bus and rail season tickets within Greater Manchester Investigate add-ons to rail season tickets for staff living outside Greater Manchester, either free, or recovered monthly through the pay roll. Review of home-working Pilot exercise to provide individually customised information on alternatives to the car. Reason Free travel is probably the major factor in the currently high TTW by Public transport Would greatly increase convenience of using rail potentially without cost to GMPTE. However free add-ons may encourage increased journey length. Could result in reduction in all travel to work including car use. Will determine if this approach can alter travel habits. Useful to gain experience before advising outside organisations
Monitoring on basis of percentage of work-related journeys made by non-car modes, and overall travel budgets. Action plan to encourage cycling to work including changing and shower facilities.
Monitoring is an essential part of any plan Cycling has the greatest potential for reducing car journeys to work. Additional health benefits including reduced stress and potentially fewer absences. Reason Car mileage claims savings. No direct cost or environmental benefits, but encourages staff to leave cars at home Further information needed on travel habits. Raise awareness of travel habits. Care needed over methodology and selection. Reduced need to bring cars to work. Examination underway as part of Best Value Review anyway. Links to improved air quality. Will gain experience before application to rest of GMPTE. Significant reduction of car use and financial savings possible Significant reduction of car use, but since car allowances are seen as part of financial package, it would be neccesary for these to be bought out.
Actions relevant to ‘Travel at Work’ Principle for Travel Plan Encourage the use of free bus and rail season tickets within Greater Manchester for meetings and site visits Encourage the use of taxis Investigate with Human Resources scope for reducing car use at work by analysing mileage claims. Establish pilot travel diaries to record in detail work journeys during a specified period (say four weeks). Investigate current GMPTE car/drivers, alternative fuels and comparison with establishing a car pool Pilot exercise to create detailed department travel plan (one office-based and operational unit) Review of essential user car allowances for new staff Review of essential user car allowances for existing staff
APPENDIX – RESULTS OF GMPTE STAFF TRAVEL SURVEY: TABLES Staff Survey Response Department Human Resources Strategic Planning Transport Works Act Passenger Services Rail services Publicity Bus Services Estates Travel Shops P.I. & T.S. Finance and Purchasing Management Accountants Management Services Legal Works Services Data Collection TOTAL Number of Staff 4 11 6 12 7 29 20 5 35 70 20 5 15 9 53 58 359 Returned Forms 4 11 6 10 5 19 12 3 18 35 10 2 6 3 15 11 170 Response Rate 100 100 100 83 71 65 60 60 51 50 50 40 40 33 28 19 47
2.2.1 Male and female travel to work Gender Males Females TOTAL Number 121 49 170 Travel by noncar modes 70 58% 33 67% 103 61% Travel by Car 51 16 67 42% 33% 39%
2.2.2 Office and operational staff travel to work Gender Males Females TOTAL “Office Based” Staff Non-car Car Total Modes 60 (74%) 21 (26%) 81 31 (74%) 11 (26%) 42 91 (74%) 32 (26%) 123 “Operational” Staff Non-car Car Total Modes 10 (32%) 21 (68%) 31 2 (15%) 11 (85%) 13 12 (27%) 32 (73%) 44
2.2.3 Frequency of driving to work Number of “Office Based” Staff Males Females 12 4 1 2 3 2 3 2 6 1 25 11 36 Number of “Operational” Staff Males Females 20 3 2 0 2 2 1 0 1 0 26 5 31
Frequency 5 + Days 4 Days 3 Days 2 Days 1 Day Sub Total TOTAL 2.2.4 Parking
Car Park Location At work site Aytoun Street Fairfield Street Commercial car park Other TOTAL
% 40 13 6 4 28 91
2.2.5 Reasons given by staff for driving to work Most important reason for car use given by staff Car/van needed for job No convenient public transport Journey is quicker by car Dropping off/Collecting children Get a lift Free car parking space Feel safer in car Give someone a lift More comfortable by car Needed for shopping Health reasons Other TOTAL 2.3.1 Work hours Staff regularly starting work before “Office Based” 8am and finishing after 6pm Regularly start before 0800 hours 47 Regularly finish after 1800 hours 17 “Operational” 17 22 Magnum House 27 8 10 4 5 2 2 1 1 1 0 17 78 Portland Tower 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 Other 10 16 4 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 35 Total (%) 43 25 14 7 6 2 2 1 1 1 0 19 121
Staff working weekends 3 or more weekends a month Once a fortnight Once a month Less than once a month Never TOTAL Hours worked Flexi Time Standard Hours Shift Patterns Other Hours TOTAL
“Office Based” 10 8 7 47 53 125 “Office Based” 67 38 14 7 126
Operational 30 3 1 5 6 45 Operational 9 6 29 0 44
2.3.2 Use of cars during working hours Reasons given for work related car use Site Visits Meetings Possibility of call out at short notice Carrying Equipment Other TOTAL Office Based 32 27 16 17 10 102 Operational 10 6 10 7 0 33
2.3.3 Alternative transport for meetings and site visits Alternative Transport suggested Public Transport Pool Vehicle Taxi Cycle TOTAL 2.4.1 Staff suggestions Public Transport Improvements requested More reliable services More frequent bus services More frequent train services More direct bus routes Better public transport information Easier to change between Bus/Train/Metrolink Better lighting at bus stations Buses stopping closer to home Better bus connections Other Nothing TOTAL Number 30 13 7 5 5 3 2 1 0 16 14 96 Percentage 31% 14% 7% 5% 5% 3% 2% 1% 0% 17% 15% 100% Count Percentage 28 36% 25 32% 22 29% 2 3% 77 100%
2.4.2 Increasing Cycling and Walking Improvements suggested by staff to encourage Number cycling Improved Cycle Paths on journey to work 30 Improved cycle changing facilities and lockers at work 19 Improved cycle park at work 11 Improved cycle park at bus/train/tram stations 9 Arrangements to buy a bike with an interest free loan 8 Cycle expenses for business trips 5 Meeting other staff in a bicycle users group 4 Other 6