Making Car Sharing and Car Clubs Work - Case ... - The Civil Service

MAKING CAR SHARING AND CAR CLUBS WORKCASE STUDY SUMMARIESResearch and Development8.19 The transportation team continue to assess the scheme, and look for improvements whereappropriate. For example, the ‘long distance’ trip matching register is a new addition to thetravel notice board. British Gas are also an active TravelWise company, and hence keep upto date with industry advances, and look to learn from others. They have consideredupgrading the database, but have yet to identify the business advantage of doing so (thepersonal advice and support is seen as a major benefit to the approach taken, hence anautomated matching service has not been pursued).8.20 British Gas are also looking at the possibility of allocating spaces to car share groupsspecifically to improve enforcement still further, and exploring ways of improving caroccupancy rates (i.e. combining current 2 people groups to join together where possible).This is direct response to the current waiting list (20 in total) for new car share group spaces,hence the need to focus upon 3 and 4 people per car.Support/Consultation8.21 The scheme was developed through a strong consultation process with staff, and this wasrecognised by all of the individuals interviewed. It was recognised that transport would playa major part in the success or otherwise of the staff transfer to Blythe Valley Park, henceconsultation was evident in all stages of the scheme development.8.22 In addition, British Gas has a strong working relationship with the local planning authority(Solihull Borough Council), and is an active TravelWise company, and hence continues towork with staff on developing appropriate solutions and initiatives. They also worked closelywith the developer (ProLogis) and their consultant team, particularly with regard thenegotiation of bus services (which were finally agreed one day prior to occupation).User Perceptions8.23 It is evident that car sharing remains a ‘hot topic’ throughout the staff. Generally staff havepositive statements including:The ability to meet new friends and colleaguesEnsures a relaxed and pleasant journey to / from workBridges the gap across all staff grades / levelsOffers financial savingsWell consulted from outsetEnsures working hours are adhered to (i.e. against overtime culture)Makes good use of a limited resource (and recognition that the office space hasimproved as a result of reduced parking)Feeling of security (for example if vehicle breaks down on Motorway)8.24 Negative comments received from users focussed upon:Final V1.1, Dec. 2004 - 56 -