In many large cities throughout the world, residents and administrators are realising that our reliance on cars, particularly for single person journeys, is becoming unsustainable.

Traffic congestion and delays, the extremely high cost of advanced road systems, air and noise pollution and our increasing dependence on non-renewable fuels are some of the more readily recognised reasons that people are concerned. In addition, studies are now showing that there are serious personal health and social consequences of high levels of car travel. There is further concern that Australians may be 'building in' car dependency into our children, making our problems much worse in the future.

TravelSmart Australia brings together the many community and government based programs that are asking Australians to use alternatives to traveling in their private car.

TravelSmart programs by Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments ask people to make voluntary changes in their travel choices, encouraging people to use other ways of getting about rather than driving alone in a car. For example - using buses, trains and ferries, carpooling or by cycling or walking, or by tele-working.

TravelSmart asks you to think about your travel needs.

• Use alternative transport to the car, for example using walking, cycling and public transport.
• Reduce the negative impacts of the car on traffic congestion and air pollution.
• Recognise the health benefits of incidental exercise such as walking or cycling.
• Choose shops and facilities that are near you to reduce the need to travel and to support your local businesses.

Below are some of the reasons why you should think seriously about making better choices for your traveling needs.

TravelSmart is essentially a voluntary program that aims to inform and motivate people for changing their traveling behaviour through personal choice. It does not involve any form of regulations, fees or taxes directed at compelling changes in travel behaviour.