Clear the air - take the bus or train

Greater Wellington Regional Council and the region’s public transport operators – Tranz Metro, Stagecoach Wellington, Cityline Hutt Valley, Mana Coach Services and Newlands Coach Services – have joined together to promote the environmental benefits of taking the train or bus.

6747 households who are members of Greater Wellington’s Be the Difference programme will this week receive discount vouchers for bus and train travel over the summer.

“We want to encourage residents to think about how their transport choices make a difference to the quality of the air we breathe. Cars are the biggest overall contributor to air pollution emissions in the Wellington region,” says Ian Buchanan Chairperson Greater Wellington.

“Many people think there isn’t an air pollution problem in this region because of the wind. However there are times throughout the year when air pollution builds up to levels that can affect our health.”

“Taking the train or bus whenever possible is an easy way to help improve the region’s air.”

“I’m delighted that Tranz Metro, Stagecoach Wellington, Cityline Hutt Valley, Mana Coach Services and Newlands Coach Services are supporting our clean air campaign,” Cr Buchanan says.

Greater Wellington’s Be the Difference programme encourages households to make small changes to their everyday lives that will make a difference to the environment. Residents can join anytime online or by completing a sign-up form available from Greater Wellington Regional Council. New members will also receive the discount vouchers for train and bus travel.