MAKING CAR SHARING AND CAR CLUBS WORKCASE STUDY SUMMARIES9.29 <strong>The</strong> only difficulty he has experienced has been the car share database system. <strong>The</strong> formwas easy to complete, but then the system sent him a list of people that did not even workthe same shift patterns.9.30 Mr. C was a shop floor worker, aged 55 –64, who does not car share <strong>and</strong> was fairly certainthat he never will. He travels about three miles, <strong>and</strong> works a Double Day shift system (oneweek he works 0600 – 1400, the next he works 1400 – 2200). He faces no parking problemswhen his is on an early shift, but when he is on a late, he has to arrive 20 minutes before hestarts work in order to find a parking space. “I am not against car sharing, in principle. I valuemy independence”, he said.Other General Issues9.31 This case study verifies that car sharing is just like any transport system: it requiresinvestment in staff time, marketing, promotion, administration, <strong>and</strong> links to associated travelplanning measures, in order for it to flourish.Final V1.1, Dec. 2004 - 62 -
MAKING CAR SHARING AND CAR CLUBS WORKCASE STUDY SUMMARIES10 HALTON JOURNEY SHAREGeneral Background10.1 Halton Borough Council (the Council) has set-up a Neighbourhood Travel Team (NTT) withinits Transport Department. <strong>The</strong> NTT’s remit is to develop transport solutions that help tocounter social exclusion in Halton. <strong>The</strong> borough, which covers Runcorn <strong>and</strong> Widnes, is the14 th most deprived in the country. <strong>The</strong> NTT works in partnership with a range oforganisations including JobCentrePlus, Halton College, local employers <strong>and</strong> others toprovide personalised journey plans <strong>and</strong> information on a range of transport alternatives forresidents <strong>and</strong> workers in Halton, often when they are at turning points in their lives.10.2 <strong>The</strong> NTT has introduced Halton Journey Share specifically to help counter social exclusion.<strong>The</strong> Scheme was launched in May 2004. <strong>The</strong> scheme is open to residents <strong>and</strong> people whowork in Halton. For the most part, Halton does not have major problems with shortages ofcar parking or congestion, with the one major exception of <strong>The</strong> Bridge. <strong>The</strong> latter crosses theMersey, linking Widnes <strong>and</strong> Runcorn, <strong>and</strong> significant traffic congestion <strong>and</strong> delays areexperienced on it on a regular basis.10.3 <strong>Car</strong> ownership in the area is relatively low, <strong>and</strong> residents who are long-term unemployed donot have the in-work social networks that can provide access to lifts to work. <strong>The</strong> NTT wantsto use the car sharing scheme to break down some of the barriers that prevent peoplegetting into work by providing an alternative way of finding a lift, preferably whilst the personis at the Job Centre. Difficulty in getting to work is one of the major barriers that people citewhen they decide not to apply for a particular job.10.4 In addition to the benefits for job-seekers, the NTT also wants to help realise theopportunities to maximise the disposable income of Halton residents who are already inwork. Jobs in the area are relatively low paid, with unskilled <strong>and</strong> low skilled manufacturingjobs, warehousing <strong>and</strong> call centres predominating. Halton residents also travel to work inWarrington, Chester <strong>and</strong> Liverpool. <strong>Sharing</strong> commuting journeys can provide the opportunityto save a substantial proportion of a low wage. In one case, a council office worker hasestimated her annual savings to be more than £2,000, as car sharing has removed the needto purchase a second car in her household.Operating Structure10.5 <strong>The</strong> Halton Journey Share Scheme is operated by Liftshare. Residents have the followingoptions:<strong>The</strong>y can log onto the site via their own personal access to the Internet<strong>The</strong>y can fill in a paper-based form <strong>and</strong> return it to the NTT, who will then log onto thesite on their behalf <strong>and</strong> keep them informed of progress on their matching<strong>The</strong>y can be matched on-line at Halton College, local libraries <strong>and</strong> other local venuesthat provide public access to the Internet.Final V1.1, Dec. 2004 - 63 -