Dump your cars, Dubliners told
18/09/2005 - 15:35:28Dubliners are being encouraged to abandon their cars in favour of commuting on foot, bicycle, train, tram and bus as part of an international campaign, it emerged today.
Ireland is one of 34 countries around the world, including Japan, Venezuela and Spain, hosting an ‘In Town Without My Car’ day, which will be held in Dublin on Thursday.
It aims to get commuters out of the habit of automatically taking their car, by raising awareness of other modes of travel.
The event forms part of European Mobility Week, which also includes a number of other initiatives such as the announcement of new routes by Bus Eireann and the introduction of the Luas smartcard.
In addition a travel advice centre will operate in Great King Street from Tuesday – when it will be opened by Environment Minister Dick Roche and Minister of State Ivor Callely – until Thursday.
It will be open daily from 8am to 6pm and will be staffed by representatives from the Department of Transport, the Dublin Transportation Office, Dublin City Council, Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann, The Luas, Iarnrod Eireann and the Coach, Transport and Tourism Council.
“We have to constantly strive to encourage awareness and the use of more sustainable forms of transport in the interests of improving our environment,” Mr Roche said.
“Through our participation in European Mobility Week and In Town Without my Car Day, we continue our integrated effort between my own department, the Department of Transport and all the relevant bodies to present the sustainable options to the public.
“It is now time for the people to make the right choice and truly make a difference.”
Mr Callely, Minister of State at the Department for Transport, said: “We are all aware that the amount of time spent commuting to work by car has risen sharply in recent years and we know how much the commuter trip is impacting on our work and personal lives.
“This is an opportunity to explore, in tandem with our European neighbours, alternative options for travel and to see how using public transport, or cycling, or even simply walking, can make our necessary travel a more pleasant and healthier experience.”
As part of In Town Without My Car day Mr Callely will be addressing a meeting run by business organisation IBEC and the Dublin Transportation Office on Thursday, focusing on mobility management at the workplace.
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