TravelSmart – helping people in Ipswich change the way they travel

TravelSmart is an innovative project offering households information and support to enable people to walk, cycle and use public transport more often.  The project started in Ipswich in April 2010 and ran until August. The aim of the project was to reduce reliance on car use and encourage healthier lifestyles by increasing active travel in our daily routines.

A total of 17,000 households across Ipswich were invited to take part in the project. Residents could choose from a wide selection of information such as local walking maps, cycling maps and bus timetables, as well as a discount card and the opportunity of a personal advice session with an expert. The information packs were delivered to households on foot or by bike.

The project was funded through the Defra’s Greener Living Fund, with match-funding from Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Borough Council.

Suffolk County Council is delivering the project in partnership with:

• Sustrans, the national sustainable transport charity
• Ipswich Borough Council
• Socialdata, travel behaviour research experts

The project is also being supported by other local partners, including public transport operators, walking and cycling groups and local businesses.

To supplement the TravelSmart project, detailed travel behaviour research was undertaken before the project started, with further research to be carried out at the end.

For more information about the project please visit the Sustrans TravelSmart websites.