Travel site receives Silver Smarter Travel Mark of recognition
The Smarter Travel Mark program, coordinated by the National Transport Authority (NTA), is a nationwide initiative that encourages active and sustainable travel options for organizations, workforce, students, and visitors. This program offers a three-tier certification system that recognizes and celebrates organizations demonstrating leadership in sustainable travel initiatives[1][2].
The Smarter Travel Mark program's website serves as a valuable resource for understanding the program's sustainable practices and could potentially showcase organizations that have received certification[3]. The site offers insights into the program's support for active and sustainable travel options, including initiatives for commuting and beyond[4].
One of the key features of the Smarter Travel Mark program is the development and implementation of workplace and third-level institution sustainable travel plans. These plans involve conducting travel surveys to gather data on commuting patterns and then producing tailored action plans to promote active and sustainable commuting habits among staff and students[1].
The program also focuses on behavior change campaigns to encourage sustainable travel habits. For instance, the 'Marchathon' is a walking challenge, 'Walktober' promotes walking in October, and 'Ready-Set-Cycle' encourages cycling for commuting and leisure[1].
The Smarter Travel Mark certification is part of the Government’s Pathfinder Programme, introduced in 2023, aiming to recognize innovation and commitment to sustainable mobility in organizations[1][2]. The benefits of participation include reduced carbon emissions from travel, lower parking demand, improved site accessibility, compliance with planning conditions, and potential employer savings in contributions through schemes like Cycle to Work and TaxSaver[1].
In addition to organizational certification and behavior change initiatives, the NTA also supports broader sustainable transport projects such as Smart Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) pilot services in rural areas to enhance flexible, app-based public transport access[3][5].
By the end of 2024, 85 organizations had earned the Smarter Travel Mark, reflecting widespread adoption of sustainable travel efforts encouraged under this program[4]. The program's website provides more information about the program's commitments to working sustainably, its goals, strategies, and achievements in sustainability, and may include resources and tools for organizations, workforce, students, and visitors to adopt sustainable travel practices[3].
In summary, the Smarter Travel Mark program offers a voluntary, national certification (three-tier levels) acknowledging sustainable travel leadership, support for workplace and campus travel plans based on travel surveys, promotion of active transport behavior-change campaigns, alignment with government climate and mobility goals through innovations like demand-responsive transport pilots, and resources for organizations, workforce, students, and visitors to adopt sustainable travel practices[1][2][3]. This comprehensive approach helps organizations reduce car dependency and foster sustainable commuting cultures.
[1] National Transport Authority (2023). Smarter Travel Mark. Retrieved from https://www.smartertravelmark.ie/ [2] Department of Transport (2023). Pathfinder Programme. Retrieved from https://www.transport.gov.ie/our-work/pathfinder-programme/ [3] National Transport Authority (2023). Smart Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) pilot services. Retrieved from https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/2023/smart-demand-responsive-transport-drt-pilot-services-launched-in-rural-ireland/ [4] National Transport Authority (2024). Smarter Travel Mark Programme Achievements. Retrieved from https://www.smartertravelmark.ie/achievements/ [5] TFI Anseo (2023). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.tfi.ie/ansoeo/about-us/
A lifestyle that promotes sustainable travel is not limited to commuting, as organizations certified with the Smarter Travel Mark, like those in home-and-garden sectors, are also encouraged to adopt sustainable-living practices. For instance, communities could integrate walking paths in their urban design or promote carpooling options for frequent home-and-garden visits.
The website of the Smarter Travel Mark program provides guides and tips for homeowners and garden enthusiasts, offering practical ideas on creating sustainable home-and-garden spaces that align with the principles of sustainable living.
