How Employers Can Encourage Public Transport Use to Reduce Their Carbon Footprint

Public transport is one of the most effective ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. According to the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), public transport can save up to 550 million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year globally, compared to private car use. Public transport also offers other benefits, such as reducing congestion, improving air quality, enhancing social inclusion, and boosting economic development. 

However, many people still prefer to drive to work, either because of convenience, comfort, cost, or habit. Currently 68% of people in the UK drive to work. 

Even in city centres where public transport should be easier and quicker than facing congestion, with hours wasted on the ride to and from work, people seem to opt for driving over train, bus or bicycle travel options. A 2023 analysis showed that residents of Manchester and Birmingham who commuted by public transport is only 16% and 18% respectively. In London, where parking is limited and fees make driving an expensive option, one in five still drive to work. 

As an employer, you can play a key role in encouraging your staff to use public transport more often, or even switch to it entirely. Not only will this help the environment, but it will also benefit your business in terms of employee health, productivity, retention, and reputation. 

In this blog, we share some tips and best practices on how you can promote public transport use among your employees and reduce your carbon footprint as a business. 

Offer public transport incentives or subsidies 

One of the most effective ways to encourage public transport use is to offer financial support or incentives to your employees who choose to commute by bus, train, tram, or metro. This can take various forms, such as: 

Providing monthly or annual passes for public transport at a discounted rate or for free. There are initiatives run through governments to encourage this or there is salary sacrifice options as well 

Creating a reward program that gives your employees points, vouchers, or prizes for using public transport regularly 

By offering public transport subsidies or incentives, you can reduce the financial barrier that prevents many people from using public transport and make it more attractive and affordable for your employees. You can also save money on parking fees, fuel costs, and vehicle maintenance, as well as reduce your tax liability. 

Provide flexible working hours to fit around train, bus, tram, underground train, or even ferry times. 

Another way to encourage public transport use is to provide flexible working arrangements that allows your employees to adjust their working hours, location, or schedule to suit their commuting preferences. This can include: 

• If public transport is less frequent, research the times of arrivals and departures and allow employees to start and finish to coincide with these timings
• Allow your employees to work flexible hours, such as starting and finishing earlier or later, or compressing their workweek into fewer days to minimise journeys
• Allow your employees to work staggered hours, such as shifting their peak travel times to avoid rush hour crowds 

By providing flexible working arrangements, you can reduce the stress and inconvenience that many people associate with public transport, such as overcrowding, delays, or lack of comfort. You can also improve your employees' work-life balance, well-being and satisfaction, as well as increase their productivity, creativity and collaboration. 

Implement a travel plan 

A travel plan is a document that outlines the strategies and actions that your business will take to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable travel among your employees, customers, and suppliers. A travel plan can help you to: 

• Analyse your current travel patterns and identify areas for improvement
• Set realistic and measurable goals and targets for reducing your carbon footprint
• Implement and monitor the effectiveness of your travel initiatives and policies
• Engage and communicate with your stakeholders and partners on your travel plan
• Review and update your travel plan regularly to reflect changing needs and circumstances 

A travel plan can be a useful tool to demonstrate your commitment and leadership on environmental and social issues, as well as to enhance your corporate image and reputation. You can also use your travel plan to apply for grants, awards, or certifications that recognise your efforts and achievements in sustainable travel. 

Reduce your carbon footprint as an employer with public transport  

Public transport is a vital solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change. As an employer, you can play a significant role in encouraging your employees to use public transport more often, or even switch to it completely. By doing so, you not only help the environment, but also benefit your business in terms of employee health, productivity, retention and reputation. 

If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint as an employer, contact us at Comensura for ideas on strategies to implement to encourage use of public transportation, and other environmental initiatives to consider.