ARTA is working with local councils across the Auckland region to improve the physical environment so that people can easily choose active modes of transport such as walking or cycling, which are better for the environment and for our health.

Walking is a natural choice for short journeys.  However, approximately 54 per cent of short morning peak trips (less than 2 km) are made by car. Many are to drop children off at school. 

Cycling is the preferred daily transport choice for over 7000 adults and children to get to and from work and school across the Auckland region. Like walking, cycling is cheap, healthy and can fulfil an important role in the transport system for shorter trips. 

More trips made by walking and cycling would result in:

• Reduced morning peak congestion, particularly around schools
  
• More travel choices for parents and caregivers who would no longer need to drop children off at school
  
• Reduced fuel use and air pollution, especially around schools
  
• Healthier children, healthier adults and healthier communities.

TravelWise travel planning for schools and workplaces are important ARTA initiatives. Their aim is to reduce the use of private vehicles for school and work travel.

Currently:

• 138 schools have developed or are developing TravelWise schookl travel plans aimed at reducing car trips to schools
  
• School travel plans and walking school buses are taking 4503 car trips off the road each morning
  
• More than 4000 children are walking to school on 236 walking school buses, operating in over 100 schools
  
• 31 workplaces and 4 universities are developing travel plans