Greener Journeys Together

What is sustainable transport?

Sustainable transport means choosing ways to get around that are better for the planet and for people. That includes walking, cycling, public transport, car sharing, and switching to low-emission vehicles. It’s about making everyday journeys cleaner, cheaper, and more enjoyable. 

Below, you’ll find practical tips on active travel, public transport, community transport, car sharing, smarter driving, and electric vehicles — all designed to help you travel more sustainably. For more details on transport and parking in your area, visit your local council’s website: 

• Rhondda Cynon Taf Council 

• Caerphilly County Borough Council 

• Cardiff Council 

• Bridgend County Borough Council 

Active Travel

Active travel means walking, cycling, or wheeling for everyday journeys, it’s a simple way to stay healthy, save money, and enjoy the places and people around you. It’s about making the most of what’s nearby, one step or pedal at a time. 

• Why it matters:
  Regular movement boosts physical and mental health, improves sleep, and lifts your mood. It also cuts transport costs — no fuel, no fares, just fresh air — and helps reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, making our streets quieter and cleaner. Walking and cycling also build safer, more connected communities by encouraging local interaction and reducing car dependency. 

• Staying safe:
  Wear bright or reflective clothing and a helmet, use designated cycle paths, and obey traffic signals. Check your bike regularly — brakes, tyres, and lights all matter. 

• Planning your route:
  You can explore local walking and cycling options using the Active Travel Network Maps from DataMapWales. Local councils have travel pages on their website with helpful info on safe bike parking and local walking and cycling routes. 

Public Transport

Public transport helps reduce traffic and pollution, while making it easier to get to work, school, shops, and appointments — all without the stress of driving. 

• Why it matters: 

Using buses and trains regularly helps cut emissions, support local services, and reduce congestion. It’s also budget-friendly, especially if you’re eligible for travel discounts. If you’re aged 16–21, you can apply for a MyTravelPass to access discounted fares, including £1 single tickets and £3 day tickets on participating bus services. Many councils also offer concessionary travel cards for over-60s and disabled passengers 

• Top tips for getting around: 

Plan ahead using Traveline Cymru or Transport for Wales to check routes, times, and service updates. Save a screenshot of your journey in case signal drops. Bring something to pass the time such as a book, headphones, or podcast. Don’t forget to press the stop button in good time if you’re unfamiliar with the area. If you’ve got a big appointment or interview, try a test run first to ease the nerves. 

Community Transport

If you find it hard to use public transport, Community Transport offers door-to-door journeys for shopping, appointments, or social visits. Community Transport groups can usually provide specially equipped vehicles, and staff are trained to support older people, wheelchair users, and anyone with mobility needs. Just book in advance and they’ll come to you. Here are some operators in the area: 

• Bush Accessible 07969 051377 

• Travol Community Transport 01443 486872 

• Village & Valleys Community Transport 01443 858462  

• Accessible Caring Transport 01443 478013 

Car Sharing

Sharing lifts with others is a simple way to save money, cut down on traffic, and make every day journeys more social and sustainable. 

• Why it matters: 

By sharing fuel, parking, and maintenance costs, car sharing makes travel more affordable. Fewer cars on the road means cleaner air and less congestion. Plus, shared journeys can spark new friendships and support local networks. 

• Tips for smooth journeys: 

Agree on pickup times and costs in advance to avoid confusion. Keep your vehicle clean and roadworthy, and respect each other’s preferences — whether it’s music, masks, pets, or quiet time. Share contact details and confirm plans the night before, especially for early starts or important appointments. 

• Safety tips: 

Only share with people you trust, or use verified platforms. Let someone know your plans if it’s a new arrangement, and make sure everyone follows the basics such as seatbelts on, no distractions, and safe driving at all times. 

Smarter Driving & Electric Vehicles

Whether you’re behind the wheel of a petrol car or thinking about switching to electric, how you drive — and what you drive — can make a big difference to your wallet, your vehicle, and the environment. 

• Drive efficiently: 

Simple changes can help you save fuel, reduce wear and tear, and keep the air cleaner for everyone. 

• Drive smoothly and avoid harsh braking or acceleration. 

• Remove unnecessary weight from your car — it affects fuel use. 

• Keep tyres properly inflated and service your vehicle regularly. 

• Try to avoid very short trips — cold engines use more fuel and produce more pollution until warmed up. 

• If your current car runs well, keeping it longer is a sustainable choice — it reduces waste and avoids the emissions linked to manufacturing a new one. 

For more tips, visit the Energy Saving Trust. 

Driving efficiently can help you save fuel, reduce wear on your vehicle, and keep the air cleaner for everyone. Simple changes like smoother driving, regular maintenance, and avoiding unnecessary weight can make a real difference. For more tips and advice, visit the Energy Saving Trust.  

• Thinking about going electric? 

Electric vehicles run on electricity, not petrol or diesel. They produce no exhaust fumes, are quieter to drive, and are far more energy-efficient — helping improve air quality and reduce noise in our communities. 

• Most new EVs can travel 200–350 miles on a single charge (RAC). 

• You can charge at home (with a dedicated charger), at work, or at public stations. 

• Range depends on the model and how you drive — smoother driving helps here too. 

• The Energy Saving Trust offers clear advice on choosing an EV, understanding running costs, and checking for grants or local support. 

• Charging tips: 

• Avoid topping up unnecessarily — frequent full charges can shorten battery life. 

• Use apps like Zap-Map to find public chargers, compare prices, and plan longer journeys with confidence. 

Electric Vehicles

EVs run on electricity rather than petrol or diesel. They produce no tailpipe emissions and are quieter to drive — helping reduce air pollution and noise in our communities. 

What are we doing at Trivallis?

We’ve introduced five electric vehicles (EVs) into our fleet as part of a supervisor-led trial to explore cleaner ways of delivering services. Early feedback has been positive — staff say the EVs are quiet, smooth, and easy to drive on their daily routes. 

This trial is helping us understand what’s needed to expand EV use across our teams, including public charging and scheduling systems. We’re also proud to be taking part in EV Rally Cymru, showcasing our commitment to reducing pollution and supporting cleaner air across Wales.

As we look ahead, we’re proposing to work closely with the partners to make sure the right infrastructure and support are in place for future expansion. 

Have a question? Why not email us at SustainabilityMatter@trivallis.co.uk