Session Details
- Host: David Wake (david.wake@transport.wa.gov.au)
- Organisation: Department of Transport WA
- Session: 6
- Location: Melbourne Room
Session Notes:
Workplaces can support active commuting by their employees. There are many ways for employers and building managers to encourage and enable walking, cycling and public transport use. Workplace travel plans have been used to catalyse action. Noted barriers and opportunities for involving employers and enabling employees to change how they commute. TravelSmart Workplace program has supported employers in Perth over several years to implement active transport strategies. This will continue under the Your Move brand with new approaches including engaging with workplace champions online and direct engagement with employees.
From discussion:
End of trip facilities are important for cycle commuting, provision varies by workplace. NAB Docklands office has high quality facilities and a culture supportive of cycling. Not so at other workplaces where bicycle parking is often difficult to access and inadequate. Requirements vary by local government planning scheme. Public end of trip facilities have been provided in some cities.
Tax laws pose a barrier to employers offering incentives for active commuting. Active commuter benefits are enabled in other countries, e.g. UK cycle to work scheme. Recent tax ruling allows salary packaging of electric bicycles. Should extend to salary packaging public transport too.
Workplace culture affects employee commuting. At many workplaces driving is the norm, at some cycling is an accepted and even a normative behaviour. What motivates some employers to support active commuting? NAB provides cycle facilities and funds bicycle servicing for staff as part of its employee engagement and retention approach. For others staff health and wellbeing is important. The City of Bendigo is encouraging people to travel using an alternative one day in five to address traffic congestion.
Times of disruption can be used to influence commuting choices. Commuting by public transport increased at the time of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. Transport disruptions can be used to encourage employees to try alternatives including active modes and teleworking.
Thanks to David Wake for his notes