FAQs

What is the 'TRAVEL PLAN PLUS' project?

TRAVEL PLAN PLUS (TP+) is an exciting partnership encouraging joint working by organisations in and around the North Milton Road area of Cambridge to promote more sustainable travel to the area.

History of the project

The TP+ project was established in 2009. A large majority of the funding for the project was supplied by the European Commission's Executive Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation under its "Intelligent Energy - Europe" Programme. Funding was provided for a two-year period to help organisations reap the benefits of working together in a travel plan network. Travel plan networks were established in the following towns: Bages (Spain), Cambridge (UK), Gyor (Hungary) and Stockholm (Sweden). The lead partner in the project was Loughborough University’s Transport Studies Team.

During this time, the UK arm of the project also secured additional funding from The Highways Agency, East of England Development Agency and Cambridgeshire Horizons.

Based on promising early results, the project is currently funded by Cambridgeshire County Council, through the Section 106 developer contributions process. Beyond April 2012, TP+ is working towards establishing a locally funded financial model with initial discussions indicating favourable support from a number of key stakeholders, including including site managers.

Who is managing the project?

The TP+ project is managed by the Cambridgeshire Travel for Work Partnership (TfW) on behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council.

Where is the Travel Plan Plus Project?

The Cambridge network travel plan covers employers based on the Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge Business Park, St John's Innovation Park plus Cambridge Regional College and Taylor Vinters Solicitors. In total the area receives in excess of 7,500 commuters based at more than 200 organisations.

How is the Travel Plan Network managed?

A steering group of senior managers from the above employment sites and individual employers has been established to provide the project with strategic direction. See (hyperlink to 1.1.3) for previous steering group meeting minutes. In addition two full time staff, employed by Cambridgeshire County Council, manage day-to-day project operations from an on-site Commuter Centre. The steering groups meets four times per year.

Where is the Commuter Centre based?

The Commuter Centre is based at Suite 13, Unit 23 Cambridge Science Park Innovation Centre, Cambridge Science Park, Milton Road, Cambridge CB4 0EY. Tel: 01223 437052/01223 437053.

What services are provided from the Commuter Centre?

The following services are currently available at the Commuter Centre:

• Electric pool bike scheme - allowing employees to use electric bicycles for short journeys in and around the area or for quick visits into Cambridge city.
• Car sharing network – managing the Cambridge Business Park and Cambridge Science Park carshare networks via www.camshare.co.uk.
• Marketing of sustainable travel options - helping commuters take full advantage of initiatives such as the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway by providing travel planning best practice advice, tools and services to commuters in the area and employers.
• Events - maintaining a travel website, and running regular events promoting sustainable travel at employer sites and throughout the area.
• Cycling Initiatives - including Adult Cycle Training, Bicycle User Group and Cycle Maintenance sessions.
• Public transport and cycling discounts – advising and promoting of discounts arranged through the Travel for Work Partnership.
• Monitoring the effect of the network in terms of travel behaviour through administering travel surveys and CO2 emissions.

What services may be provided from the Commuter Centre in future?

• A ticket selling agent - for public transport services.
• A car club - that can reduce the need for pool cars and employees using their own cars on business. Employees would also be able to join the club as individuals - reducing the need for a personal car
• Running bus services - some business parks already do this. It can be cost effective if there is sufficient demand

What are the benefits?

The benefits of the project include:

• Ability for smaller companies to benefit from area wide initiatives despite limited internal resources
• The vast majority of on-site services are provided FREE of charge
• Provide a voice for the area in discussions with decision-makers
• Ability to provide area-wide monitoring
• On-site professional advice
• Tools, resources, services and events tailored to the specific needs of the area
• Promoter for greener travel
• Assist with Corporate Responsibility priority

How long will the project last?

The project was initially funded by the European Union. It began in Jan 2009. The main on-site work commenced in September 2009 with the recruitment of a full time coordinator based on site. The EU funding for the project ended in April 2011, but Section 106 funding allows the project to continue to April 2012. However, the aim is that the network structure and funding is robust enough to ensure its existence well beyond this date.