Liftshare to cut queues over the Kessock Bridge
Issued by Transition Black Isle
Commuters are being encouraged to share car journeys to help cut queues during the second phase of resurfacing work on the Kessock Bridge.
The website www.highland.liftshare.com was established by community group Transition Black Isle to help local people find others who are going their way.
The scheme is part of the group’s Million Miles project, which aims to slash car use on the Black Isle by one million miles, or one percent, a year.
An increasing number of people are getting together with others who live or work near them to share transport for the daily commute, cutting hundreds of pounds from annual fuel bills.
Members register the details of any journeys they wish to share on the free-to-use website, which then finds a match for others making similar journeys.
Million Miles project officer Peter Elbourne is urging people across the Highlands to register their commute on highland.liftshare.com.
“The first phase of works on the Kessock Bridge last year meant that commuters needed to think about alternative ways to get to work and we had several hundred people sign up to highland.liftshare.com.
“Now we have over 625 members and hundreds of journeys registered that go over the Kessock Bridge, it’s a great time to find a match.”
The Highland Council are helping Transition Black Isle promote the website and Council Leader Drew Hendry is keen to see lift sharing become part of the daily routine for commuters: “We would like to see everyone, but especially Highland Council employees, sign up to highland.liftshare.com and find other commuters to share their journeys with.
“We need to see fewer empty seats going over the Kessock Bridge and car sharing has huge potential across the whole of the Highlands. This is also a great way for people to save money into the bargain.”
BEAR Scotland are carrying out the works on the Kessock Bridge on behalf of Transport Scotland and a spokesperson recognises the benefits of lift sharing:
"In order to avoid delays of around one hour during the Kessock Bridge works, 1,000 less vehicles would need to travel over the bridge during peak times.
"We anticipate this will be achieved through a combination of travel options made by the public. However, car sharing alone would reduce traffic flow if we could increase vehicle occupancy from 1.2 people per vehicle to 1.5. In making an effort to car share, the travelling public would also be helping the environment whilst at the same time saving money."
Transition Black Isle has organised a fantastic competition to encourage people to use their website during the road works.
Anyone that adds a regular journey on to highland.liftshare.com before 31st March 2014 will be entered into a draw to win a voucher for a full valet donated by Arnold Clark – full details are available at www.transitionblackisle.org.
E-mail millionmiles@transitionblackisle.org or phone 07715 663781 to find out more.