Media release

July 29, 2009

Sustainable transport a smart move

Waitakere rail commuters will have the chance to become walking billboards promoting the benefits of sustainable transport.

On Thursday and Friday (July 30 and 31) between 7.00am and 9.00am, Waitakere City Council's community sustainable transport and road safety teams will be handing out reusable carry bags emblazoned with messages outlining the reasons to take sustainable forms of transport.

Deputy Mayor Penny Hulse, a regular rail commuter herself, will join the teams distributing the bright orange bags which feature a train logo and the tag lines “Smart Move!”/”Get on Board”/ “Smart for the Environment, Smart for your Pocket”. “The council is committed to promoting and supporting smarter travel choices such as using public transport, cycling or walking,” says Cr Hulse.

“Some 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions come from our transport behaviour and many households already struggling financially are at the mercy of the volatility of petrol prices.

“Being smart about your travel options is not just good for the environment but good for your budget,” she says.

Hundreds of bags will be distributed between 7.00am and 9.00am on Thursday at New Lynn and Glen Eden stations and on Friday at Waitakere Central (Henderson) Ranui, Swanson and Sturges stations.

The bags, which are made from recycled material, are an idea initiated by the council with funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency.

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