Would you stop using your car if the government paid you to use public transport, so that congestion, pollution and others problems are eased?
Transport officials in the Midlands have initiated a novel project in Coventry to incentivise people to leave their vehicles at home and use public transport by using ‘credits’ through a new app on travelling in the region.
The credits could be worth nearly £3,000 per year per person as part of £20 million programme by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which coordinates investment to improve the region’s transport infrastructure.
It said the move will help people save money on the costs of owning and running a car, while cutting the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the region’s roads. Drivers would be incentivised to give up their private vehicles and use electric vehicle hire, on-demand public transport, shared taxis and walking and cycling.
Those taking part in the trial would receive credits to cover their costs – with a new travel app to help them decide how to travel, and how to maximise their credits.
Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “We want to make it quick, easy and cheap for everyone to travel around the region by creating a range of reliable alternatives to private car ownership”.
“People could leave their cars at home, or get rid of them altogether, and instead opt to take the Metro, train or bus to work, hire an electric vehicle to do their shopping, and share a taxi on a night out”.
{{/usCountry}}“People could leave their cars at home, or get rid of them altogether, and instead opt to take the Metro, train or bus to work, hire an electric vehicle to do their shopping, and share a taxi on a night out”.
{{/usCountry}}Laura Shoaf, managing director of TfWM, added: “Instead of owning a car, people could have the freedom to choose between sustainable travel options, including public transport, shared vehicles, walking or cycling, all within one package”.
“That would remove the expense of owning and operating a private vehicle. It would also reduce the number of vehicles on the road, improving congestion, and allowing vehicles and road space to be used more efficiently.”