‘Leave your car at home and save cash’ – commuters urged

NEWTOWNABBEY commuters could save up to £1,246 annually by using sustainable methods of travel.

That was the message from Transport Minister Danny Kennedy as he launched a new campaign ‘Car Less: Cost Less’ which urges car users to consider the substantial savings to be made through car-sharing, public transport, cycling and walking.

People often don’t realise just how much the cost of taking your car to work every day can add up over the year.

“There are great savings for those willing to consider sustainable travel, quite literally in the region of thousands of pounds,” Mr Kennedy said.

The campaign, being run by Travelwise NI in partnership with Translink, claims that someone commuting on their own from Newtownabbey to Belfast will run up an annual motoring bill of £1,246 (excluding car parking fees).

However, by sharing with one other person they could save £623, and by taking public transport (TaxSmart scheme) could save £901.

“With the extra cost of Christmas looming, everyone is keen to make savings any way they can, so we are urging commuters, shoppers and others travelling to the city centre or indeed on any other regular journey to think about how much they can save if they leave the car at home,” the Minister added.

For information about Translink’s TaxSmart tickets log on to www.translink.co.uk/christmasoffers or call them on 9066 6630.