Your bright ideas for getting around in Christchurch

Anyone who's ever been struck by a bright idea for how to improve ease of travel in Christchurch now has the chance to get the funding to put their plan into action, with the Transport Innovation Fund.

Christchurch City Council is allocating a share of $40,000 in grants funding to local individuals and groups who can present an innovative, low-cost transport initiative for the city – one that can help shift the population towards more sustainable modes of transportation.

The Transport Innovation Fund is open to applicants Tuesday 26 April – Sunday 29 May. Applicants can apply at www.ccc.govt.nz/TransportInnovation

"We've got new technologies and trends becoming more widespread, and the public becoming more empowered to make change," says Councillor Phil Clearwater, Chair of the Council's Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee.

"The face of transport is changing globally – technology is making it easier for communities to connect, and lets them turn to each other to meet their travel needs. There are plenty of emerging examples in this space, and we're looking to the community to introduce some creative new ones to Christchurch.

"When you look at some of the other models taking off around the world, you know that Christchurch is the perfect environment for that same kind of innovation – all people need sometimes are the means to realise it," Cr Clearwater says.

"We believe that the wider public can help provide solutions to some of Christchurch's transportation frustrations. Solutions could be in the form of apps or services, or they might be specific to Christchurch's issues or easily adopted by any user in any city."

To help applicants prepare, the Council is running three information sessions:

EPIC (Enterprise Precinct Innovation Centre), BNZ lounge, 76/106 Manchester Street

• Tuesday 26 April, 10am–11am
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• Wednesday 4 May, 1.30pm–2.30pm
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• Wednesday 11 May, 5pm–6pm

The successful applicant(s) will be able to access funds by Wednesday 8 June 2016 and they are to be spent within six months of disbursement.

For more information and to apply for funding, please visit www.ccc.govt.nz/TransportInnovation

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