Premier & Cabinet

Type:
Premier's Memorandum
Identifier:
M2000-17
Status:
Archived

M2000-17 Sydney 2000 Olympics and Paralympic Games Car Pooling

Detailed Outline

The Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games will create the highest demand on transportation infrastructures and systems ever experienced in Australia. During the extended peak times, Sydney's transport systems will be under intense pressure to efficiently move Olympic spectators, athletes, sponsors and officials as well as the usual Sydney commuter users.

The Olympic Roads and Transport Authority (ORTA) is aiming to modify the usual travel behaviour of Sydney and surrounding communities to better accommodate demand for road transport services during the period of the Games. The strategies aim to allow the smooth running of the Games, with minimal disruption to commerce and leave an ongoing legacy of cleaner air, freer roads and higher productivity.

Methods for managing the demand for travel include strategies which:

  • Remove or reduce the reasons for work related travel into target areas. For example holiday scheduling, reassignment of staff to other locations, teleworking, compressing the working week, stockpiling of non-perishable goods and office supplies.
  • Reduce the number of vehicles in targeted areas such as the CBD, along the Olympic Routes and near Olympic venues. For example car pooling, employer park and ride schemes and combined deliveries.
  • Channelling demand away from peak Games times. For example implementation of flexible working hours, altering starting and finishing times, alterations of freight delivery times.

Reducing the number of private vehicles on roads during the Games will contribute to a reduction in traffic congestion and a range of other benefits. Fewer private vehicles on the roads will mean:

  • employees who must commute to work and other business related travel will experience fewer delays;
  • freight and distribution companies can maintain vital delivery services across Sydney;
  • Olympic athletes and ticket holders will be able arrive at competition sessions on time and travel home with minimal delays;
  • a reduction in air pollution.

If every private driver in Sydney committed to car pooling for just one day per week, air pollution would be significantly reduced.

Car Pooling in the Government Sector

Ministers should actively encourage transport initiatives across their portfolios to assist with the delivery of the Games as well as an on-going program to reduce pollution across metropolitan areas.

 By actively encouraging long term car pooling, your agencies may also:

  • reduce the need for employee parking facilities;
  • strengthen networks between agencies and divisions;
  • improve the agency's image as a good corporate citizen;
  • help employees save on fuel and vehicle maintenance through ride sharing;
  • reduce traffic-related stress for staff.

Shared transport systems can be either a formal program organised through car pooling companies or an informal arrangement organised by a group of friends or work colleagues. You may wish to refer to Premier's Department Circular 97-71, Participation in Ride Share Schemes. Car poolers do not have to commit to the system every day of the week, although more frequent use means less traffic congestion.

The introduction and support of a work-based car-pooling scheme can form an integral part of an agency's program to reflect the Government's commitment to the reduction in greenhouse gases. Further information on car pooling is contained in the Olympic Roads and Transport Authority publication Olympic Transport Action Plan for Business which can be found at www.orta.nsw.gov.au

Ministers should strongly encourage the establishment of car pooling schemes within their agencies throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games and support the continuation of schemes to assist in the long-term reduction of Greenhouse gases.

Bob Carr
Premier

Overview

Compliance

Not Mandatory

AR Details

Date Issued
Jul 5, 2006
Review Date
Jul 5, 2016
Replaces
Replaced By

Contacts

Contact
Contact us
Phone
02 9228 5555
Publishing Entity
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Issuing Entity
Department of Premier and Cabinet