A greentravel2work seminar, organised by South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE), in partnership with p&mm greentravel2work and bus operators launched a new service which offers employers a third off local bus travel.  It could potentially benefit hundreds of thousands of employees from across the county. 

Organisations that attended included the four district councils, Meadowhall Shopping Centre, The Primary Care Trust, local Chambers of Commerce, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, local hospitals, universities and the Home Office.   

The seminar, which supported the Government’s Green Travel Plan,  encouraged more organisations to use greener modes of travel, reduce their carbon footprint and make South Yorkshire a cleaner, greener place to live and work. To claim the discounted travel, businesses must sign up to the scheme for 12 months.  As well as cheap travel the ticket also offers employers and businesses the opportunity to save on their National Insurance contributions.

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Policy and Representation Manager Helen Rana said: “This a great opportunity to change our transport habits, improve the environment and bring significant savings to businesses in the region. We welcome the move.”

David Brown, Director General of SYPTE, said: “The seminar was a great success and we have received some great feedback from local businesses across the county.

“We are committed to reducing congestion in South Yorkshire and introducing products that will ultimately attract more people on to public transport.  This is a great way to save your employees money and help reduce your business's carbon footprint.” 

After the event there was some excellent feedback from local businesses and many felt, by introducing the scheme, it would encourage staff retention and help enhance their corporate image as an employer of choice. 

The seminar was held at the Holiday Inn Royal Victoria Hotel, in Sheffield and over 40 businesses from South Yorkshire attended.    

The greentravel2work seminar is just one of the ways SYPTE is working in partnership with local bus operators and businesses to help people think about changing their travelling habits to ‘greener modes of travel’ such as public transport, walking, cycling and car sharing. 

Businesses wanting more information about the services SYPTE has to offer should call 0114 221 1221 for a free consultation.