Plan transport around the options you actually have

Choose a journey you can change

Jana wants to use her car less. But the public transport connections to work don’t line up well, and she picks up her child on the way. Deciding to go everywhere without a car starting tomorrow would be hard to put into practice in her situation. However, she regularly makes a separate trip to a nearby library, which she can walk to when conditions are suitable. That’s a specific opportunity to try.

When choosing, consider the distance, route safety, time, weather, health needs and what you need to carry. If you’re considering public transport, check the connection and the return journey. If you’re combining several errands, compare the whole route. Linking stops may not be worthwhile if it means a major detour or another trip later.

Be clear about which car journey your plan will replace. A walk may be enjoyable, but if you make the same separate car trip afterwards, the original journey hasn’t changed. Don’t claim exact emissions savings without information about the route and mode of transport. As part of your trial, you can track specific trips or kilometres you no longer drive.

Plan a reasonable exception, too. If conditions are unsafe, choose an available safe way to travel and return to your plan at the next suitable opportunity. One exception doesn’t have to cancel your whole intention. If the change doesn’t work over time because there’s no suitable public transport or route, look for a different journey you can influence; determination alone can’t change those conditions.