SCHOOL
Fitzgerald State School
Final Report
Smart Travel Centre Queensland
Passenger Transport Division
Queensland Transport
04 - School_Fitzgerald State School_Mackay_07
Table of Contents
Table of Contents...................................................................................................................................................... 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................4
Fitzgerald State School TravelSmart School Project Results......................................................................... 4
Performance indicators.................................................................................................................................. 4
PROJECT BACKGROUND ............................................................................................5
TRAVELSMART SCHOOL PROJECT METHODOLOGY ..............................................6
PHASE 1: ENGAGEMENT .............................................................................................6
Letter of Agreement........................................................................................................................................ 6
Site Assessment Report................................................................................................................................... 6
Before Travel Survey...................................................................................................................................... 7
Before Travel Survey Report .......................................................................................................................... 7
PHASE 2: TRAVEL PLAN ..............................................................................................7
PHASE 3: THE TRAVELSMART SCHOOL PROJECT INTERVENTION PHASE.........8
Rollout of the Travel Plan .............................................................................................................................. 8
Communication Tools .................................................................................................................................... 8
TravelSmart Coordinator ............................................................................................................................... 8
Interventions................................................................................................................................................... 8
1.
Walk to School Day ............................................................................................................................... 8
2.
'An Inconvenient Truth' movie excursion............................................................................................... 9
3.
Teacher and Parent Information Sessions........................................................................................... 10
4.
Police Safety Talks............................................................................................................................... 10
5.
Bike Safety Checks............................................................................................................................... 10
6.
TravelSmart Ride2School Day ............................................................................................................ 10
7.
Walk Home from School Days............................................................................................................. 10
8.
TravelSmart Family Fun Day.............................................................................................................. 10
9.
Cycle Skills Sessions............................................................................................................................ 11
10.
Fitzgerald State School Fair ........................................................................................................... 11
11.
TravelSmart Class Challenge.......................................................................................................... 11
12.
TravelSmart Celebration Assembly................................................................................................. 11
PHASE 4: THE AFTER TRAVEL SURVEY ..................................................................12
AFTER TRAVEL SURVEY RESULTS ..........................................................................12
Before and After Travel Survey Sample Sizes .............................................................................................. 12
Trips by Car ................................................................................................................................................. 13
Trips by Car Pooling.................................................................................................................................... 13
Trips by Cycling ........................................................................................................................................... 14
Trips by Walking .......................................................................................................................................... 14
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Trips by Public Transport ............................................................................................................................ 14
Summary....................................................................................................................................................... 14
Q1: Travel details to and from school.......................................................................................................... 14
Q2: Do you think it is a good idea for your school to help encourage families to minimise their car trips
through TravelSmart? .................................................................................................................................. 15
Q3: Have you tried to minimise your car trips or utilise drop off/ pick up points from your school since the
TravelSmart program commenced at your school? ..................................................................................... 15
Q4: Which TravelSmart activity, if any, helped you the most to minimise your car trips or utilise drop off/ pick
up points? ..................................................................................................................................................... 17
VEHICLE KILOMETRES TRAVELLED ........................................................................19
Weekly Travel Behaviour Trends ................................................................................................................. 19
CO2 ABATEMENT........................................................................................................20
TRAVELSMART SCHOOL PROJECT OBJECTIVES..................................................20
Objectives..................................................................................................................................................... 20
Performance indicators................................................................................................................................ 20
ONGOING COMMITMENT TO TRAVEL BEHAVIOUR CHANGE ...............................21
PROJECT BUDGET .....................................................................................................21
TABLE OF FIGURES....................................................................................................23
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS.............................................................................................24
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Executive Summary
Queensland Transport's TravelSmart program is a voluntary travel behaviour program aimed at
encouraging people to reduce private vehicle use in favour of more sustainable travel modes, such as
walking, cycling, car pooling and public transport. TravelSmart attempts to remove perceived barriers to
environmentally friendly travel choices by providing information about the travel options available.
Interventions are also undertaken to encourage and reward people who make responsible travel choices.
A reduction in the number of vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT) by car (by increasing walking, cycling
or use of public transport) reduces toxic carbon dioxide emissions, benefits health, improves fitness and
reduces traffic congestion.
Fitzgerald State School, located in Mackay was selected for the program on the advice of Queensland
Transports Road Safety Unit. Fitzgerald was the first school outside South East Queensland to participate
in the TravelSmart program. For Fitzgerald State School it was decided to try and measure actual
behaviour change. The respondents who completed both the Before and After surveys were isolated to
identify actual behaviour change.
Fitzgerald State School TravelSmart School Project Results
The TravelSmart School Project Performance Indicators have been met as follows—
Performance indicators
1. Reduce motor vehicle trips to and from Fitzgerald State School
Transport Mode
Before Travel
Survey Trips
After Travel
Survey Trips
Actual change
Car
425
395
7.05% decrease
Figure 1: Change in car trips
2. Increase the number of sustainable transport mode trips to and from Fitzgerald
State School (walking, cycling, public transport and car pooling)
Transport Mode
Before Travel
Survey Trips
After Travel
Survey Trips
Actual change
Car pooling
26
42
61.54% increase
Bicycle
6
27
350.00% increase
Public Transport
2
9
350.00% increase
Walking
103
132
28.16% increase
Figure 2: Change in sustainable mode trips
The Greenhouse Gas Abatement Program (GGAP) TravelSmart projects are funded by the Department of
the Environment and Water Resources, Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO). The GGAP Deed of
Agreement requires TravelSmart to report to the AGO on the reduction in Vehicle Kilometres Travelled
(VKT).
The VKT is calculated as follows—
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Formula
Before Travel Survey
After Travel Survey
2304.5kms
2157.6km
÷5
÷5
460.9km
431.52km
÷ 55
÷ 55
8.38kms
7.85kms
The weekly VKT (return trips)
is divided by the number of working days
and is then divided by the number of respondents
TOTAL—
Figure 3: VKT formula
According to Before Travel Survey results, Fitzgerald State School families were travelling an average of
8.38km to and from school by car each day. Respondents to the After Travel Survey travel an average of
7.85km to and from school by car.
These figures indicate a 6.37% reduction in vehicle kilometres travelled.
The 6.32% reduction in vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT) translates into a CO2
abatement of 17.98 tonnes, which has been calculated as follows—
Before Travel Survey VKT—
8.38kms
After Travel Survey VKT—
-
7.85kms
0.53
Number of households—
x 532
Days per year—
x 200
CO2 abatement in kilometres—
x .000319
Total—
17.98 tonnes
Figure 4:CO2 abatement
TravelSmart is not 'Anti-car', as we understand that there are trips which cannot be made by
environmentally friendly transport modes, but encourages a more responsible way of using our motor
vehicles. Fitzgerald State School families who are now making fewer trips by motor vehicle and are
driving shorter distances can be proud of what they have achieved for themselves, their school and our
environment.
Project Background
Queensland Transport's TravelSmart Program encourages people to use sustainable forms of transport
such as walking, cycling, public transport and car pooling in favour of always choosing the car.
TravelSmart aims to remove perceived barriers to environmentally friendly travel choices by raising
awareness of the travel options available and promoting the associated benefits of using these options.
TravelSmart is divided into four sub programs—
•
TravelSmart Schools;
•
TravelSmart Destinations;
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•
TravelSmart Communities;
•
TravelSmart Workplaces.
The TravelSmart Schools program encourages school communities to consider environmentally friendly
transport options as an alternative to motor vehicle use. Although the program targets journeys to and
from school, all household journeys are considered. TravelSmart Schools also assists school communities
dealing with local traffic congestion, road safety and health issues.
One of the key aspects of TravelSmart is that we only need to change a few of our weekly car trips to
sustainable forms of transport. TravelSmart challenges and encourages people to respond by making
small changes in their travel habits. By choosing to travel by public transport, cycling, car pooling or
walking just one day a week, vehicle emissions can be reduced by up to 20%.
A Travel Plan has been developed for the Fitzgerald State School and aims to achieve travel behaviour
change through raising awareness of alternatives to motor vehicle use. The Travel Plan focuses on
providing better information, offering incentives and mode specific actions (public transport, cycling,
walking and car pooling) to optimise the use of sustainable travel by families. The Travel Plan includes
implementation, monitoring and review of the school project.
This Final Report outlines—
•
the methodology used to implement the TravelSmart School Project; and
•
the project outcomes.
TravelSmart School Project Methodology
Initial discussions and negotiations between TravelSmart and Fitzgerald State School took place in
August 2006. Fitzgerald State School became the first school outside South East Queensland to
participate in the TravelSmart program. The following 4 phases were used to implement the Fitzgerald
State School TravelSmart Project.
Phase 1: Engagement
Letter of Agreement
To formalise the process of jointly developing, implementing and supporting the TravelSmart Project at
Fitzgerald State School, a Letter of Agreement (Attachment 1) was signed by the principal John Wessel
and the Community Partnerships & Development Unit.
Site Assessment Report
TravelSmart conducted a site audit at Fitzgerald State School and compiled a Site Assessment Report
(Attachment 2) in December 2006. The TravelSmart Project Manager undertook the site assessment to
establish:
•
Opportunities to promote existing infrastructure which already supports walking, cycling and
public transport.
•
Other opportunities and barriers to supporting, promoting and evaluating a TravelSmart project at
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the site.
•
The issues identified and recommendations made in the Site Assessment Report assisted in the
development of the Travel Plan.
Before Travel Survey
The Parents/ Carers at the school were asked to complete a "Before" Travel Survey (see Attachment 3) in
September 2006. The survey results were processed using Statistical Package for the Social Science
(SPSS), which provided information on each family's car usage, travel patterns, attitudes and behaviours.
Details of survey and data analysis can be found in Attachment 4.
To maximise the survey response rate, students who returned the survey went in a draw to win one of ten
family passes (2 adults, 2 children) to the movies. In addition, a Subway lunch was provided to the class
that had the highest percentage return rate of the surveys.
Before Travel Survey Report
The Before Travel Survey Report (Attachment 4) was compiled in January 2007. Results from the Before
Travel Survey indicated that, during an average week, of the trips made to and from Fitzgerald State
School—
•
75.62% (425) were by car
•
4.63% (26) were by car pooling
•
1.07% (6) were by bicycle
•
0.36% (2) were by public transport, and
•
18.33% (103) were by walking.
The three main reasons families preferred to drive to Fitzgerald State School were—
•
The trip is part of another journey (76 respondents, 33.8%);
•
They think that their child is too young to walk, cycle or catch public transport (51 respondents,
22.7%); and
•
They believe that travelling by car is safer (33 respondents, 14.7%).
The information gathered from the survey and site assessment was used to develop the strategies outlined
in the Travel Plan. The survey showed an average VKT of 8.38km. This is quite a large distance
considering that most students in Queensland live within three kilometres of their school.
Phase 2: Travel Plan
The TravelSmart Project Manager analysed the Before Travel Survey results and the Site Assessment
Report to develop a Travel Plan (Attachment 5) to encourage families to use more sustainable forms of
transport.
The Travel Plan focussed on the interventions that were to be delivered during the project. The Travel
Plan incorporated tailored activities for Fitzgerald State School and also utilised other organised events
such as the National Ride2School Day.
The Travel Plan strategies and actions include—
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•
Strategy 1: Providing information and raising awareness
•
Strategy 2: Events and promotions
•
Strategy 3: Education and skill building
•
Strategy 4: Data collection and evaluation
Phase 3: The TravelSmart School Project Intervention Phase
Rollout of the Travel Plan
The TravelSmart project intervention phase aims to remove barriers to travel behaviour change or
negative perceptions of sustainable forms of transport by marketing travel alternatives and raising
awareness. Some examples of the information and incentives used have been attached to this report.
Communication Tools
The school newsletter was the most common communication tool use during the project. The newsletter
was used to provide general TravelSmart information and to promote interventions. The school sign
board at the main gate was also used to promote TravelSmart events.
Flyers were developed for specific interventions such as 'Ride2School Day' and sent home to each family.
Some events were also promoted by the local media. 'Walk to School Day' received television and
newspaper coverage, while the 'Ride2School Day' event received coverage on ABC radio.
TravelSmart Coordinator
TravelSmart Coordinators can play a key role in the success of a school project. Initially, John Wessel
(School Principal) fulfilled the role of TravelSmart Coordinator. John supported the project by assisting
in organising events and making resources available. For periods during 2007 John was absent from the
school. This had a significant impact on the project.
Interventions
Sustainable transport information, events and incentives were strategically linked to encourage families to
voluntarily change their travel behaviour. The interventions implemented at Fitzgerald State School are
listed below.
1. Walk to School Day
The Walk to School Day was the first intervention at Fitzgerald State School. The event was held
on Friday 3 November 2006. Families were encouraged drop children off, or park, at one of three
designated drop-off points. The drop-off points were located within one kilometre of the school.
Water bottles and sunscreen were handed to the students as they commenced their walk and a
healthy breakfast was provided to all who participated when they arrived at the school. The police
provided support on the day with the school adopt-a-cop patrolling the streets.
A school assembly was held when all of the students had arrived. TravelSmart invited the
Alligator Creek Jump Rope for Heart Team to provide a demonstration at the assembly. They
performed a very entertaining skipping display which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
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The event was a huge success with 350 students walking from the three drop-off points. It is
estimated that up to 50 parents also walked on the day. Channel 7 had a news crew at the event and
ran a positive story in the news that night.
The success of the event prompted the school to hold regular walk to school days in the new year.
Fridays were designated 'walk to school days' with many families participating throughout the first
term. Incentives were progressively withdrawn until the families were participating without
rewards.
Healthy breakfast provided for students.
Alligator Ck Jump Rope for Heart Team
Students walking along Norris Rd with Adopt-a-Cop.
Students arriving at the front gate.
2. 'An Inconvenient Truth' movie excursion
During November 2006 all of the year six students went to see the Al Gore film 'An Inconvenient
Truth'. TravelSmart subsidised the excursion to make it more affordable for all of the students. The
day following the excursion TravelSmart Project Officer Mark Davies visited the school and had a
discussion session about the film and transport's role in climate change with approximately 100 of
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the year six students. The discussion was very productive and comments from the teachers after
the event suggested it had provoked much more debate on climate change and transport.
3. Teacher and Parent Information Sessions
On 12 February, an information session was held with selected teachers. The purpose was to
inform the teachers about TravelSmart and also to provide them with information to present at the
parent information nights. The parent information nights were a school activity in which
TravelSmart was able to join in and have information presented to about 200 parents. Parents were
informed of the purpose of TravelSmart and what they could do to help. The teachers were also
presented with copies of 'An Inconvenient Truth' to use in the classrooms.
4. Police Safety Talks
On 14 March, Nigel Dalton from Mackay Police delivered safety talks to all school students. The
presentation was conducted in March so it could be of benefit to the students before Ride2School
Day. Nigel put together a presentation by walking around the school neighbourhood and taking
photographs of the main intersections. He used the photos as an aid to teach the children how to
cross each of the intersections safely. The talks were very well received. The principal of
Fitzgerald was most impressed with the effort and content of the presentation.
5. Bike Safety Checks
Ron Steel from 'Rock 'n' Road Cycles' was organised to conduct bicycle safety inspections as
another lead up activity to 'Ride2School Day'. The bike safety checks were offered free of charge to
both students and parents. Each bike had a written report with recommendations as to what needed
fixing.
6. TravelSmart Ride2School Day
TravelSmart 'Ride2School Day' was held in conjunction with the 'Bicycle Victoria National
Ride2School Day' event on 28 March 2007. A healthy breakfast was provided to all who
participated in the event. Once again Queensland Police were involved, engraving student's bikes
as they arrived at the school. Many parents also rode and had their bikes engraved as well. A prize
of a new bike was offered as an incentive for families to participate in the event. A count of the
bike racks around the school indicated approximately 100 bicycles. Before the commencement of
the TravelSmart program there were on average 20 bikes each day in the bike racks.
7. Walk Home from School Days
The walk home from school days were organised by the school principal without any prompting
from TravelSmart. The reasoning for having walk home from school activity was to build on the
success of the walk to school events. The walk to school was easing congestion in the morning,
however the principal wished to address the more critical afternoon peak period.
There were no incentives offered for this activity. The activity ran for five weeks and was
reasonably successful with up to 100 students walking to the drop-off points.
8. TravelSmart Family Fun Day
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On April 22 a TravelSmart Family Fun Day was held involving the three Mackay TravelSmart
schools and also the destination project. The event was held at John Breen Park, North Mackay.
The event participants included Mackay Transit Coaches (MTC), Rock 'n' Road Cycles,
Queensland Health, Queensland Police, Mackay PCYC, and Games2Go.
Activities included—
• Smart Card and bus information from Mackay Transit Coaches (MTC)
• Bicycle servicing by "Rock'n'Road Cycles"
• 10,000 Steps Challenge and pedometer giveaway by Queensland Health (QH)
• Free healthy BBQ provided by TravelSmart, QH and MTC
• Bicycle engraving by Queensland Police
• Active games by "Games2Go"
The event attracted approximately 300 people.
9. Cycle Skills Sessions
All year five students (105) attended a cycle skills education session at the PCYC. The Mackay
PCYC has an established bicycle education course. Each of the year five classes attended the two
day course.
10. Fitzgerald State School Fair
The fair was held on 12 August 2007. TravelSmart had a display at the fair which included a range
of brochures and information. A TravelSmart Treasure Hunt was also organised where participants
had to find TravelSmart clues to claim their prize (a TravelSmart backpack).
11. TravelSmart Class Challenge
During August all classes at Fitzgerald participated in the class challenge. Students were required
to complete a class log each day for a two week period indicating the mode of transport used to
travel to and from school. A number of prizes were offered including a class prize of a Subway
lunch for the class with the highest percentage of sustainable trips and everyone who participated in
the challenge went into the draw for two new bikes. Results show that during the challenge period
more than 60% of the classes made at least 30% of their trips by a sustainable mode.
12. TravelSmart Celebration Assembly
A special assembly was held on 24 October 2007 to thank the school for its participation in the
TravelSmart program. The whole school attended the assembly. Each class was given a
TravelSmart backpack which contained a supply of TravelSmart merchandise including sunscreen
and tyre repair kits. The winners of the Class Challenge were announced and prizes presented.
Guests to attend included— Karen Wood (Road Safety Advisor Queensland Transport); Richard
Whattman (School Adopt-a-Cop Queensland Police; Tracey Browning (Senior Health Promotion
Officer-Physical Activity); and Colleen Gunning (Health Promotion Coordinator Queensland
Health).
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Phase 4: The After Travel Survey
The After Travel Survey (Attachment 6) was completed from September 3-7 2007. A prize of family
accommodation at Club Crocodile at Airlie Beach was offered as an incentive for families to complete the
survey.
To effectively evaluate the TravelSmart program a common group that completed both the Before and
After Travel surveys was isolated to determine actual travel behaviour change (question 1). The full
survey group was used for questions 2-5.
The After Travel Survey results enable the TravelSmart Project Manager to—
•
evaluate the implementation of the Fitzgerald State School Travel Plan;
•
evaluate the TravelSmart interventions; and
•
assess travel behaviour change by comparing these results to the Before Travel Survey results.
One of the key components of a TravelSmart project is that every trip counts. Making a change to
sustainable transport for just one day per week can have a big impact on the distance you travel, traffic
congestion and your health. In order to capture those families making a change to their travel behaviour
one day per week, TravelSmart surveys require travel details over a whole week.
Some families do not live close enough to Fitzgerald State School to walk or cycle and do not have access
to public transport within walking distance of their homes. TravelSmart encourages families in these
circumstances to travel to a suitable drop-off point near the school and then walk the rest of the way. To
capture those families who are changing their travel behaviour by shortening their motor vehicles trips,
the TravelSmart Before and After Surveys require the kilometres travelled by each transport mode.
After Travel Survey Results
Before and After Travel Survey Sample Sizes
Number of Surveys
Number
Surveys
distributed
532
Number of 'Before
Survey' replies
55
Number of 'After
Survey' replies
55
0
100
200
300
Figure 5: Survey response rates
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400
500
600
There were 55 respondents identified that had completed both the Before and After Travel Surveys. These
surveys were used to determine the results.
Survey period
Before survey weekly total
of trips made per mode
Before daily average trips
made per mode
Before survey weekly %
of trips per mode
After survey weekly total
of trips made per mode
After daily average trips
made per mode
After survey weekly % of
trips per mode
Car
Car Pool
Cycling
Public
Transport
Walking
Total
trips
425
26
6
2
103
562
85
5.2
1.2
0.4
20.6
112.4
75.62%
4.63%
1.07%
0.36%
18.33%
100%
395
42
27
9
132
605
79
8.4
5.4
1.8
26.4
121
65.29%
6.94%
4.46%
1.49%
21.82%
100%
Figure 6: Before and After Survey mode share
Mode share Before and After
18.33%
1.49%
21.82%
Walking
Bicycle
Car Pool
Car
0%
0.36%
10%
Public
Transport
20%
4.46%
30%
Before Survey
After Survey
1.07%
40%
6.94%
50%
4.63%
60%
65.29%
Mode share
70%
75.62%
80%
Mode
Figure 7: Before and After mode share comparison
Trips by Car
There has been a 7.06% reduction in the number of trips made by car.
This is a positive result for travel behaviour change with 75.62% of the total number of Before Survey
trips being made by car, reducing to 65.29% of the total number of After Survey trips.
Trips by Car Pooling
There has been a 61.54% increase in the number of trips made by car pooling.
Car pooling is an important alternative mode of transport for persons who live in outlying areas and do
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not have access to public transport services and live too great a distance to walk or cycle. As can be seen
in Figure 6, there has been an increase in the number of trips the respondents made by Car Pooling. This
is a positive result for travel behaviour change with 4.63% of the total number of Before Survey trips
being made by car pooling, increasing to 6.94% of the total number of After Survey car pooling trips.
Trips by Cycling
There has been a 350% increase in the number of trips made by cycling.
Active travel modes, like walking and cycling are beneficial for the students as it is a healthy and cheaper
way to get around. These forms of transport are also friendly to our environment.
Trips by Walking
There has been a 28.16% increase in the number of trips made by walking.
This is a positive result for travel behaviour change with 18.33% of the total number of Before Survey
trips being made by walking, increasing to 21.82% of the total number of After Survey trips. Throughout
the TravelSmart program families were encouraged to drop children at the local parks and allow them to
walk from there. These results and anecdotal evidence from teachers indicate that families are taking this
option.
Trips by Public Transport
There has been a 350% increase in the number of trips made by public transport.
Public Transport is amongst the most sustainable methods of mass transport. These forms of transport are
also friendly to our environment.
This is a positive result for travel behaviour change with 0.36% of the total number of Before Survey trips
being made by public transport, increasing to 1.49% of the total number of After Survey trips. This is a
relative increase of 34.62%.
Summary
The percentage of use for the Before and After Surveys and actual change for each mode of transport is as
follows—
Transport Mode
Before Travel
Survey Trips
After Travel
Survey Trips
Actual change
Car
425
395
7.05% decrease
Car pooling
26
42
61.54% increase
Bicycle
6
27
350.00% increase
Public Transport
2
9
350.00% increase
Walking
103
132
28.16% increase
Figure 8: Before and After trip comparison
Q1: Travel details to and from school
For the "After Survey", families were asked to provide their travel details to and from school for
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the week starting 3 September 2007. An example was given to assist them with this question, as
they were required to enter the kilometres travelled by each transport mode. As with the "Before
Travel Survey", a map was provided to assist them in determining the distance they travel to
school.
Q2: Do you think it is a good idea for your school to help encourage families to
minimise their car trips through TravelSmart?
Please Note—
This part of the survey took into account all persons who completed the "After Survey" regardless
of whether they participated in the "Before Survey" or not.
Of the 113 persons who responded to this question—
•
91.15% supported minimising their car trips through TravelSmart methods;
•
3.54% did not support this TravelSmart principle;
•
5.31% were unsure.
These results overwhelmingly indicate that the families of Fitzgerald State School support the
concepts and suggestions of TravelSmart. This is valuable information for the TravelSmart team to
consider when implementing future School Projects.
Do you think it is a good idea for your school to help encourage
fam ilies to m inim ise their car trips through TravelSm art?
100%
91.15%
90%
Percentage
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
3.54%
5.31%
No
Unsure
0%
Yes
Figure 9: Do you think it is a good idea for your school to help encourage families to minimise their car trips
through TravelSmart?
Q3: Have you tried to minimise your car trips or utilise drop off/ pick up points
from your school since the TravelSmart program commenced at your school?
Of the 112 persons who responded to this question—
•
49.11% indicated that they reduced their car trips;
•
32.14% indicated they had not reduced their car trips;
•
16.07% hadn't changed their driving habits, as they had always walked/ cycled/ used public
transport or carpooled to get to the school;
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•
2.68% were unsure.
Percentage
Have you tried to m inim ise your car trips or utilise drop off/ pick up
points from your school since the TravelSm art program
com m enced at your school?
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
49.11%
32.14%
16.07%
2.68%
Yes
No
I have always
walked/ cycled/
caught a bus or
carpooled to
and from school
Unsure
Figure 10: Have you tried to minimise your car trips or utilise drop off/ pick up points from your school since
the TravelSmart program commenced at your school?
These results overwhelmingly indicate that the families of Fitzgerald State School support the
concepts and suggestions of TravelSmart. This is valuable information for the TravelSmart team to
consider when implementing future School Projects.
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Q4: Which TravelSmart activity, if any, helped you the most to minimise your car
trips or utilise drop off/ pick up points?
During this project, TravelSmart conducted a number of activities and offered information for
consideration which were intended to help reduce the car trips that were being made.
There were 112 respondents to this question.
These activities were—
•
TravelSmart to School Days;
•
TravelSmart Class Challenge;
•
Bike Safety Checks;
•
Pedometer Challenge;
•
Car Pooling;
•
Family Fun Day;
•
Police talks about Road Safety;
•
The Mackay TravelSmart Access Guide or other transport information.
Which TravelSm art activity, if any, helped you the m ost to m inim ise
your car trips or utilise drop off/ pick up points?
70% 66.07%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
3.57%
0.00%
0.89%
0.00%
0.89%
0.89%
2.68%
Figure 11: Which TravelSmart activity, if any, helped you the most to minimise your car trips or utilise drop
off/ pick up points?
The most preferred activity by far was the TravelSmart to School Days (66.07%). The other
activities ranged between 0% (Bike Safety Checks and Carpooling) and 3.57% (TravelSmart Class
Challenge).
This is valuable information for the TravelSmart team to consider when implementing future
School Projects.
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Q5: What motivated your family/ your child the most to participate in the activity
you selected in Question 4?
This question was asked so as determine which were the more preferred motivations for
TravelSmart participation.
This is valuable information for the TravelSmart team to consider when implementing future
School Projects.
The selections were—
• Environmental benefits (19.28%)
• Health benefits (opportunity to exercise) (25.3%)
• Learning new skills (that is,. Cycle/ road safety skills) (1.2%)
• Opportunity to spend time with friends and make new ones (3.61%)
• Opportunity for quality family time (1.2%)
• Concern about road safety around the school (4.82%)
• My child's desire to participate (32.53%)
• General encouragement from the school, students or peers (4.82%)
• Economic benefits (using less fuel and reduced vehicle maintenance) (3.61%)
• Rewards/ Incentives/ Prizes (2.41%)
• Other (1. 2%)
Most popular overall motivations to participate in the TravelSmart Program
Percentage of responses
0%
5%
10%
D - Opportunity to spend time w ith friends and make new ones
E - Opportunity for quality family time
J - Rew ards/ Incentives/ Prizes
K - Other
30%
35%
1.20%
4.82%
32.53%
G - My child's desire to participate
I - Economic benefits (ie using less fuel & reduced vehicle maintenance)
25%
1.20%
3.61%
F - Concern about road safety around the school
H - General encouragement from the school, students or peers
20%
25.30%
B - Health benefits - Opportunity to exercise
C - Learning new skills (ie cycle/ road safety skills)
15%
19.28%
A - Environmental benefits
4.82%
3.61%
2.41%
1.20%
Figure 12: Most popular overall motivations to participate in the TravelSmart Program.
The top three motivations were—
1.
My child's desire to participate (32.53%)
2.
Health benefits – Opportunity to exercise (25.3%)
3.
Environmental benefits (19.28%)
By knowing what motivates people to participate in the TravelSmart Program, this information will
be invaluable for the TravelSmart team to consider when implementing future School Projects.
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Vehicle Kilometres Travelled
The Before Travel Survey responses provided the TravelSmart team with important details about family
information requirements and perceived barriers to sustainable transport modes.
The Greenhouse Gas Abatement Program (GGAP) TravelSmart projects are funded by the Department of
the Environment and Water, Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO). The GGAP Deed of Agreement
requires TravelSmart to report to the AGO on the reduction in VKT.
According to Before Travel Survey results, families were travelling an average of 8.38kms to and from
the school by car each day. Respondents to the After Travel Survey travel an average of 7.85kms to and
from school by car.
Formula
Before Travel Survey
After Travel Survey
2304.5kms
2157.6km
÷5
÷5
460.9km
431.52km
÷ 55
÷ 55
8.38kms
7.85kms
The weekly VKT (return trips)
is divided by the number of working days
and is then divided by the number of respondents
TOTAL—
Figure 13: VKT formula
These figures indicate a 6.37% reduction in vehicle kilometres travelled.
Weekly Travel Behaviour Trends
Weekly Travel Behaviour Trends
2000
1500
Before Survey
2157.6
1000
2304.5
After Survey
Car
Car Pooling
Bicycle
Public Transport
Travel Mode
Figure 14: Weekly Travel Behaviour Trends (kilometres)
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116.4
64.5
72
22
48
30
0
182
500
60.1
Kilometres travelled
2500
Walking
Transport Mode
Before Travel
After Travel Survey
Actual change
Car
2304.5km
2157.6km
Car pooling
60.1km
182km
203% increase
Bicycle
30km
48km
60% increase
Public Transport
22km
72km
227% increase
Walking
64.5km
116.4km
80% increase
6.37% decrease
Figure 15: Before and After comparison of kilometres travelled
CO2 Abatement
The 6.37% reduction in vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT) translates into a CO2 abatement
of 17.98 tonnes, which has been calculated as follows—
Before Travel Survey VKT
After Travel Survey VKT
8.38kms
-
7.85kms
0.53
Number of households
x 532
Days per year
x 200
CO2 abatement in kilometres
x .000319
17.98 tonnes
Figure 16: Fitzgerald State school CO2 abatement
TravelSmart School Project Objectives
The TravelSmart School Project Objectives and Performance Indicators have been met as follows—
Objectives
•
Reducing motor vehicle trips to and from Fitzgerald State School;
•
Providing increased travel choice for Fitzgerald State School students, families and staff;
•
Improving health by encouraging increased use of cycling and walking and increasing awareness
amongst students, families and staff of the inherent links between transport and health; and
•
Reducing congestion and improving road safety.
Performance indicators
1. Reduce motor vehicle trips to and from Fitzgerald State School
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Transport Mode
Before Survey Trips
After Survey Trips
Actual change
Car
425
395
7.05% decrease
2. Increase the number of sustainable transport mode trips to and from Fitzgerald State School
(walking, cycling, public transport and car pooling).
Transport Mode
Before Survey Trips
After Survey Trips
Actual change
Car pooling
26
42
61.54% increase
Bicycle
6
27
350.00% increase
Public Transport
2
9
350.00% increase
Walking
103
132
28.16% increase
Ongoing commitment to Travel Behaviour Change
Whilst the Travel Plan implementation phase of the TravelSmart project has been completed, it is
important for this document to be revisited and updated for ongoing behaviour change.
The key factors for success are—
(1)
High level, visible support and commitment from school staff.
(2)
An ongoing commitment to provide staff and resources to monitor and update the Travel Plan to
meet the changing needs of families.
(3)
An enthusiastic Travel Plan Coordinator who will continue to assist the school community in
changing their travel behaviour by—
•
making sustainable travel information available to families
•
including environmentally friendly travel information in induction packages
•
promoting the health benefits of walking and cycling.
Project Budget
Funding
Cash
In kind
2006/2007
Queensland
Transport
Australian
Greenhouse Office
TOTAL—
Page 21 of 95
Total
EXPENDITURE
Cash
In kind
Total
2006/2007
Surveys
1068.10
1068.10
Travel
1 767.36
1 767.36
Marketing &
Promotions
16 964.60
16 964.60
278.03
278.03
Wages
Total—
$20 078.09
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Table of Figures
Figure 1: Change in car trips ....................................................................................................................... 4
Figure 2: Change in sustainable mode trips ................................................................................................ 4
Figure 3: VKT formula .................................................................................................................................. 5
Figure 4:CO2 abatement ............................................................................................................................. 5
Figure 5: Survey response rates ............................................................................................................... 12
Figure 6: Before and After Survey mode share ......................................................................................... 13
Figure 7: Before and After mode share comparison ................................................................................. 13
Figure 8: Before and After trip comparison ............................................................................................... 14
Figure 9: Do you think it is a good idea for your school to help encourage families to minimise their car
trips through TravelSmart? ................................................................................................................ 15
Figure 10: Have you tried to minimise your car trips or utilise drop off/ pick up points from your school
since the TravelSmart program commenced at your school? ........................................................... 16
Figure 11: Which TravelSmart activity, if any, helped you the most to minimise your car trips or utilise
drop off/ pick up points? .................................................................................................................... 17
Figure 12: Most popular overall motivations to participate in the TravelSmart Program. ......................... 18
Figure 13: VKT formula ............................................................................................................................. 19
Figure 14: Weekly Travel Behaviour Trends (kilometres) ........................................................................ 19
Figure 15: Before and After comparison of kilometres travelled ............................................................... 20
Figure 16: Fitzgerald State school CO2 abatement .................................................................................. 20
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List of Attachments
Attachment 1:
Letter of Agreement
Attachment 2:
Site Assessment Report
Attachment 3:
Before Travel Survey
Attachment 4:
Before Travel Survey Report
Attachment 5:
Draft Travel Plan
Attachment 6:
After Travel Survey
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04 - School_Fitzgerald State School_Mackay_07
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Schools – Fitzgerald State School
Assessment Report
Smart Travel Centre - Queensland
Community Partnerships and Development Unit
Passenger Transport Division
Queensland Transport
December 2006
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Background to TravelSmart
Queensland Transport's TravelSmart program is a voluntary travel behaviour change program,
aimed at encouraging the use of more sustainable modes of transport such as walking, cycling,
public transport and car pooling. TravelSmart removes perceived barriers to environmentally
friendly travel choices by raising awareness of the travel options available.
One of the key aspects of TravelSmart is that we only need to change a few of our weekly car trips
to sustainable forms of transport in order to have a marked impact on traffic congestion, air
quality and our health. TravelSmart challenges and encourages people to respond by making small
changes in their travel habits.
TravelSmart is divided into four sub-programs. They are TravelSmart Schools, TravelSmart
Workplaces, TravelSmart Communities and TravelSmart Destinations.
What are TravelSmart Schools?
The TravelSmart Schools program encourages school communities to consider environmentallyfriendly transport options as an alternative to motor vehicle use. Although the program targets
journeys to and from school, all household journeys are considered. TravelSmart Schools also
supports school communities in dealing with local traffic congestion, road safety and health issues.
Why TravelSmart Schools?
TravelSmart Schools is a program that specifically looks at how students travel to and from school
and what can be done to replace motor vehicle trips with more sustainable trips. This program is
especially important as it can have an impact on the vicious cycle of driving children to school
(pictured below):
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Table of Contents
Background to TravelSmart
2
1.0 Background
4
1.1 Population
4
1.2 Operating hours
4
1.3 School Catchment
4
1.4 Suburban environment
4
1.5 Surrounding precinct
5
1.6 Future Development
5
2. Public Transport Provision
6
2.1 Existing bus services
6
3. Pedestrian Access
6
4. Cycling
7
5. Site Access
8
5.1 Main gate
8
6. Car parks
8
6.1 Parent set down area
8
6.2 Visitor parking
9
6.3 Teacher parking
9
7. Summary
10
8. Recommendations
10
Pictures
Picture 1..................................................... UBD map showing the location of Fitzgerald State School
Picture 2.................................................................................................. Bus stop located on Norris Rd
Picture 3............................................................................................ Supervised crossing on Norris Rd
Picture 4........................................................................................... Bicycle racks under the classroom
Picture 5..............................................................................Drop-off zone on southern side of crossing
Picture 6............................................................................................... Vehicles parked in the bus zone
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1.
Background
Fitzgerald State School, which was established in 1979, is a large primary school in the Mackay
Hinterland and North Mackay Education District. It caters for students from preschool to year
seven. The school has continued to grow with the addition of a prep year commencing in 2007
and the continued development of infrastructure and amenities for the students.
This site audit was undertaken to ascertain the extent and nature of traffic congestion before and after
school and the barriers to encouraging walking, cycling and public transport use. In conjunction with a
"before travel survey" this assessment will provide a basis for the development of a school travel plan that
will address traffic congestion as part of its broader aim of encouraging sustainable transport options.
1.1 Population
Staff
Teaching staff: 40
Non-teaching: 21
Students
807
1.2 Operating Hours
School starts at 8:50am and finishes at 3:00pm from Monday to Friday.
The school closes for normal school holiday periods.
1.3 School Catchment
Fitzgerald State School has a broad student base that attends from all around the Mackay area. The
school’s immediate catchment area includes the suburbs of Mt Pleasant, North Mackay, and
Beaconsfield. 62% of students travel from outside the immediate catchment area. A school enrolment
plan was developed in 2001 to address the growing number of enrolments.
1.4 Suburban Environment
Borders
The school is bordered by:
•
•
•
•
Norris road running north/south to the front of the school on the western side;
An easement (bike/walking path) running along the northern boundary;
Mackay North High School to the east; and
Housing to the south.
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Terrain
Fitzgerald State School is situated on sloping ground. The topography of the surrounding suburbs is
relatively flat to the north and slightly undulating to the south.
Norris Road
The school is bordered on the western side by Norris Road, which is a major road linking Beaconsfield
Rd and Malcolmson St. Norris Rd as well as being a major thoroughfare for commuting traffic, is also the
only vehicular access to Fitzgerald State School.
1.5 Surrounding Precinct
Surrounding the school are houses, Mackay North High School, Pioneer Private Hospital, and the Carlyle
Gardens Retirement Village.
The hospital and retirement village are located opposite the school on Norris Rd. The hospital utilises the
school car park facilities on weekends.
Mackay North High School is located on the eastern boundary of the primary school. Students
commuting from the east can walk through the high school to access the primary school.
Picture 1: Map showing the location of Fitzgerald State School
1.6 Future Development
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New classrooms for the prep year are currently under construction adjacent to the school car park.
2.
2.1
Public Transport Provision
Existing Bus Services
Fitzgerald State School has a bus stop outside the school on Norris Rd. Mackay Transit Coaches do not
run a dedicated school service to Fitzgerald State School. The route 6, City to Beaconsfield service, stops
outside Fitzgerald State School. There are approximately 15-20 students that use buses that service
Mackay North High School.
Picture 2: Bus stop for Fitzgerald State School, on Norris Rd
3.
Pedestrian Access
Some of the footpaths that lead to the school are in good condition, and provide safe walking options for
students. These are:
•
•
Norris Rd – school side from the touch football fields; and,
Walking path from Benbow Ct to Raymond Crocker Dve
The footpath on Norris Rd from the south of the school is narrow and during the inspection was quite
overgrown. Regular maintenance by the council would provide an adequate walking and cycling path.
There is a supervised pedestrian crossing on Norris Rd immediately in front of the school. There is also a
supervised crossing at the intersection of Raymond Crocker Dve and Norris Rd. The school crossing
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supervisors are paid for by Queensland Transport.
Picture 3: access across Norris Road
4.
Cycling
There are no dedicated cycle lanes on Norris Rd. A shared footpath links the touch football fields and the
school. A dedicated cycle/walking path also links Mackay North High School and Norris Rd.
A footpath connects the school to Malcomson St however it is quite narrow and overgrown.
There are several cycle racks situated around the school grounds. Collectively, they can hold about 45
bikes. There are also many more bike racks stored under the classrooms. These racks would provide
storage for over 100 more bikes.
On the day of the inspection there were 21 bikes in the racks.
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Picture 4: Bicycle racks located under the classroom
5.
Site Access
Access to the school is quite limited due to the school only having one street frontage. All parents/carers
using cars to transport children to school use Norris Rd. This creates considerable congestion on Norris
Rd. adding to the congestion is the inability for vehicles to return in the same direction from which they
have arrived. Vehicles must continue past the school, make a U-turn at a roundabout, and then drive past
the school once again. This effectively doubles the congestion.
Pedestrian and cycle traffic can access the school through the high school to the east, the cycle/walking
path to the north, and also via Norris Rd.
5.1
Main Gate
The main entrance is opposite the intersection of Norris Rd and Raymond Crocker Dve. Cars approach
the main gate from the north and south (Norris Rd) and the west (Raymond Crocker Dve).
6.
Car Parks
6.1
Parent set down areas
There are several areas in front of the school where vehicles can stop to set down passengers. The car
park near the preschool provides parking for approximately 25 cars and has a drop-off zone.
There are 8 angled car parks on the road in front of the main car park.
There is a drop-off zone on the southern side of the pedestrian crossing. The bus zone becomes a five
minute loading zone in the afternoons between 3:00 and 3:30.
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Picture 5: Drop-off zone on the southern side of the pedestrian crossing
A bus zone is located to the immediate north of the pedestrian crossing. This was occupied by vehicles
when the inspection was conducted. This can create a dangerous situation if the buses do not have
somewhere to pull over when they arrive.
Picture 6: vehicles parked in the bus zone
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6.2
Visitor parking
Visitor parking is in the car park near the preschool. Another small car park on the southern side of the
crossing is used for staff and deliveries.
6.3
Teacher parking
Teacher parking is located on the school grounds and in the two school car parks. The number of cars
parked were:
10 in the top car park, 9 in the car park near the preschool, and 11 inside the school grounds. It is not
confirmed that all of these cars belonged to teachers. There may be some opportunities to influence the
travel behaviour of the teachers.
7.
Summary
Fitzgerald State School suffers from bad traffic congestion during peak times. This is a result of:
•
•
high number of students being driven to school;
cars driving past the school twice in the process of dropping students off.
The congestion around Fitzgerald State School is set to worsen due to the commencement of prep year in
2007.
Cycling access to the school from the north is limited due to the busy roads. Cycling from the south and
west has potential.
There are some ideal drop-off points located within one kilometre of the school from which students can
walk.
For students who travel long distances to get to school, car pooling and public transport will be viable
options.
8.
Recommendations
The school is a good site for a TravelSmart program and there are some good opportunities to increase the
amount of students and teachers travelling via sustainable transport.
Some of the areas that should be looked at include:
•
•
•
•
•
safety on the cycling infrastructure around the school, particularly along Norris Road;
the options to cycle from the south and west;
the possibility of running walking groups from drop-off points near to the school;
car pooling and bus options for the students in outer suburbs; and,
because of the high amount of teachers driving, influencing them to change their travel behaviour.
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Note that the size of the font and map has been minimized to fit into this document.
Complete this travel survey and
return it to your class teacher
by Thursday 21 September 2006
and you could WIN one of ten family
Movie Passes
(Each pass includes entry for 2 Adults and 2 Children. See page 2 for terms and conditions.)
Queensland Transport, The Department of the Environment and Heritage Australian Greenhouse Office and
Mackay City Council are working in partnership with Fitzgerald State School to develop a School Travel Plan.
The Travel Plan aims to reduce traffic around your School to make it a healthier and safer place for students,
families, staff, and the environment. You can help by completing the following travel survey.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Complete one survey per household.
There are no right or wrong answers – we are interested in your views.
Questions about the travel behaviour of your child refer to the eldest child you have attending Fitzgerald
State School only.
Please return completed survey to your eldest child's class teacher by Thursday 21 September.
If you have also completed questions 18 to 22 (not compulsory), this will ensure that:
o Your family goes into the draw for the family movie passes and
o Your child's class will be in the running for a free healthy lunch.
Prize terms and conditions are outlined on page 2.
The information you provide will be used in the strictest confidence in accordance with Queensland
Transport's privacy guidelines, outlined on page 2.
HOW TO WRITE YOUR ANSWERS
•
•
•
•
•
Use black or blue pen.
Mark boxes like this 4 or use numerals when requested.
Write in CAPITAL letters.
If you do not know an answer, give the best answer you can.
If you have any queries, or require assistance in completing this survey, please contact the Principal on
4965 6300 or Queensland Transport's TravelSmart Program:
Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
+61 7 3253 4006
Fax:
+61 7 3854 1239
Address:
PO Box 673 Fortitude Valley Brisbane Queensland 4006.
25 January 2008
I:\Communication Strategy Team\Reports & Audits\2008\Market Research Terms of
Government_Aug 08\Market Research Activity Reports\04 - School_Fitzgerald State School_Mackay_07.doc
MAP OF AREA SURROUNDING THE SCHOOL
This map may help you work out the distance in kilometres that you travel between home and school:
QUEENSLAND TRANSPORT PRIVACY GUIDELINES
Queensland Transports respects your privacy. The information you provide will be compiled in a database on
travel behaviour. Queensland Transport will use the information to develop TravelSmart initiatives to inform,
encourage and reward you for using more environmentally friendly travel options. By participating in this survey
you consent to Queensland Transport using survey information for these purposes. The information you provide
will be treated in the strictest of confidence and will be accessible only by authorised departmental officers. Your
personal information will not be disclosed to a third party without your consent, unless required to do so by law.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Family Movie Passes and Class Lunch
1. This survey incentive competition is being conducted by Queensland Transport (QT). 2. Families are only
eligible if they return a completed valid survey by the specified date. 3. Employees of Community Partnerships
and Development Unit of QT, and their families are not eligible to enter. 4. The first ten valid completed
surveys drawn from a box will win the family passes. 5. The first class to return all distributed surveys to the
school office will win the Class Lunch prize. A QT Officer will liaise with the class Teacher to arrange details. 6.
The winners will be announced no later than October 2006 and the decision is final. 7. The winners will be
notified by a Fitzgerald State School representative. 8. The prize voucher will be delivered within two weeks of
the announcement.
9. Prizes are valued at $411.00 and include: 20 adult passes and 20 children passes to any Birch Carroll and
Coyle movie (subject to terms and conditions of cinema); Subway lunch for a class of 30 children. 10. In the
event that the prize winners are unable to be contacted, the prizes will be kept for three months. If the prizes are
not claimed within that period another winner will be drawn.
25 January 2008
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TRAVEL LOG
Q1
Please provide details for your travel to and from school for the week starting Monday 11
September, 2006. Refer to the map on page two for approximate distances.
Example for Question 1:
Chris lives approximately 3 kilometres from Fitzgerald State School. Chris walks 400 metres from home to the nearest bus stop, and then catches a
Mackay Transit Coaches bus which travels 2.6km to school. The return journey is the same in reverse. The travel log entry for Monday reflects the
journey to and from school:
CAR: Your child is a
passenger in your motor
vehicle.
Monday TO school
PUBLIC
TRANSPORT:
MTC (school
bus)
1
7
9
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
2.6 km
Public Transport
2.6 km
Walk
0.4 km
Walk
0.4 km
2
Monday 11.09.06 FROM school
Monday 11.09.06 TO school
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
3 Tuesday
5
CAR POOL:
Your child is
the passenger
in another family's
vehicle or you give
other children,
as well as your
own, a lift to schoo
Monday FROM school
12.09.06 TO school
4
Tuesday 12.09.06 FROM school
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
Wednesday 13.09.06 TO school
6
Wednesday 13.09.06 FROM school
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
Thursday 14.09.06 TO school
8
Thursday 14.09.06 FROM school
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
Friday 15.09.06 TO school
Car
10
____km
Car
25 January 2008
Friday 15.09.06 FROM school
____km
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Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
Q2
Is congestion around Fitzgerald State School before and after school a problem for you?
† Yes
† No
Q3
What was the main mode of transport you, as a child, used to get to and from primary
school?
† Walk
† Cycle
† Car
† Car pool
† Public transport
For the following sections, please consider which mode of transport your child regularly uses to get
and from Fitzgerald State School.
MOTOR VEHICLE
Q4
Do you use a motor vehicle to transport your child to/from Fitzgerald State School?
† Yes
† No (Skip to Question 7)
Q5
What are your main reasons? Please rank all that apply in order of importance, with 1 being
most important.
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
Q6
It is part of my journey to and from another location (for example, work, dropping other
children off elsewhere)
My child is too young to catch public transport, walk, and cycle to school on their own
Travelling by car is a safer and a more secure mode of transport – child's safety
Public transport does not operate near my home
We need to make other stops along the way (for example, sporting activities, shopping)
Public transport is too expensive - using the car is cheaper
Distance between home and school is too far
I attend special events at the school
Hot, wet or cold weather conditions
My child has to carry heavy items
Other (please describe):________________________________________________
If you currently drive your child to/from school, which statement best describes your
travel choice?
†
†
†
My child never walks or cycles or catches public transport to/from school, and it would be
out of the question for him/her
My child hardly ever walks or cycles or catches public transport to/from school, and we
have never really thought about doing it
My child hardly ever walks or cycles or catches public transport to/from school, but might
start doing so within the next year
WALKING & CYCLING
Q7
Does your child regularly walk to/from school?
† Yes (Skip to Question 11)
† No
25 January 2008
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Q8
Does your child have access to a suitable bicycle and helmet?
† Yes
† No
Q9
Does your child regularly cycle to/from school?
† Yes (Skip to Question 11)
† No
Q10 What would encourage your child to walk or cycle to and from school? Please rank all that
apply in order of importance, with 1 being most important.
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
If I or other parents were to walk or cycle with my child – assistance finding partners
Personal security and road safety training for my child
If there was less traffic congestion around Fitzgerald State School
More information on walking and cycling paths and facilities
If more people were walking and cycling to school
Awareness of the benefits for my child of increased and regular physical activity
Cycle skills and development training for my child
Assistance with bike maintenance
Information about the benefits of protecting the environment
Discounts on bike and walking equipment
If we lived closer to the school - the distance is further than 5km
Nothing
Other (please describe):______________________________________
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Q11 Does your child regularly use public transport to get to/from school?
† Yes
† No (Skip to Question 13)
Q12 What type of public transport does your child use? For example, MTC (school bus services)
_______________________________________________________
Route Number: _______________________________________________________________
How often does your child use this service over a week? ___________________________
Do you receive School Travel Assistance?
† Yes (Skip to Question 14) † No
Q13 What would encourage your child to use public transport for travel to and from school?
Please rank all that apply in order of importance, with 1 being most important.
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
Information about the Code of Conduct for school bus travel (includes anti-bullying)
If my child had a friend to travel with – assistance finding partners
Information on public transport services that my family can use (for example, timetable and
school bus information )
Information about eligibility for subsidised public transport
I would allow my child to use public transport if more children used these services
Knowledge of relative cost of running and maintaining a car versus cost of public transport
If we were to move further away from the school – we currently live within 5km
When my child is older
Nothing
Other (please describe):_____________________________________________________
25 January 2008
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CAR POOLING: Lift-giving arrangements between families and friends
Q14 Does your child regularly car pool to get to/from school?
† Yes (Skip to Question 16)
† No
Q15 What would encourage you to arrange for your child to try car pooling to/from school?
Please rank all that apply in order of importance, with 1 being most important.
† Assistance finding car pool partners
† More information
† Nothing (Skip to Personal Information and Question 18)
† Other (please describe): _____________________________________________________
If you are interested in car pooling, or would like to broaden your car pooling network please answer
the following questions:
Q16 How many additional children would you regularly be able to safely accommodate to/from
school?
† 1 † 2 † 3 † 4 † More: _______
Q17 How many children would you require to be transported to/from school?
† 1 † 2 † 3 † 4 † More: _______
PERSONAL INFORMATION
This information is strictly confidential. No data will be linked to you or disclosed to any third party.
The following information is important and will be used to:
•
•
•
enter you into the prize draw for family movie passes
enter your child's class into the free healthy lunch prize draw
analyse distances travelled (essential for reporting to funding bodies)
Q18 What is the first initial and last name of your eldest child attending Fitzgerald State
School? For example, J. CITIZEN
________________________________________________________________________
Q19 What class is your eldest child in? For example, 6.C.
________________________________________________________________________
Please complete the following details relating to the main residential address of your child.
Q20 Street Name: _____________________________________________________________
Q21 Suburb: _________________________________________________________________
Q22 Post Code: ______________________________________________________________
Thank you for completing this survey!
Please return to your eldest child's class teacher before Thursday 21 September
25 January 2008
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Schools
Fitzgerald State School
Before Travel Survey Report
2006
Smart Travel Centre – Queensland
Queensland Transport
Completed by Barbara Pfluger Mundwiler
Table of Contents
List of abbreviations and acronyms............................................................................................... 3
Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................... 4
Project Background ...................................................................................................................... 5
What are TravelSmart Schools? ................................................................................................... 5
Why TravelSmart Schools?........................................................................................................... 5
Travel Plans for TravelSmart Schools .......................................................................................... 6
Objectives ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Performance Indicators ................................................................................................................. 6
Before Travel Survey Results ....................................................................................................... 7
Sample Size .................................................................................................................................................... 7
Question 1: Travel Log ................................................................................................................................... 8
Vehicle Kilometres Travelled (VKT) .......................................................................................................... 14
Modal share.................................................................................................................................................. 14
Question 2: Is congestion around Fitzgerald State School before and after school a
problem for you? ................................................................................................................................ 15
Question 3: What was the main mode of transport you, as a child, used to get to and
from primary school? .......................................................................................................................... 15
Question 4: Do you use a motor vehicle to transport your child to/from Fitzgerald State School?.............. 16
Question 5: What are your main reasons?.................................................................................................... 16
Question 6: If you currently drive your child to/from school, which statement best
describes your travel choice?............................................................................................................... 18
Question 7: Does your child regularly walk to/from school? ...................................................................... 19
Question 8: Does your child have access to a suitable bicycle and helmet?................................................. 19
Question 9: Does your child regularly cycle to/from school? ...................................................................... 19
Question 10: What would encourage your child to walk or cycle to and from school? ............................... 19
Question 11: Does your child regularly use public transport to get to/from school?.................................... 20
Question 12: What type of public transport does your child use? How often does your child use
this service over a week? Do you receive School Travel Assistance?................................................. 21
Question 13: What would encourage your child to use public transport for travel to and from
school? ................................................................................................................................................ 21
Question 14: Does your child regularly car pool to get to/from school?...................................................... 22
Question 15: What would encourage your family to try car pooling to/from school?.................................. 22
For consideration in the Travel Plan ........................................................................................... 24
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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Barriers to Change....................................................................................................................... 25
Appendix 1: Before Travel Survey ............................................................................................ 26
Table of figures
Figure 1:
Sample size............................................................................................................................................ 7
Figure 2:
Distribution of returned surveys per student's grades ............................................................................ 8
Figure 3:
Kilometres travelled by mode on Monday, 11 September 2006 to school ............................................ 9
Figure 4:
Kilometres travelled by mode on Monday, 11 September 2006 from school........................................ 9
Figure 5:
Kilometres travelled by mode on Tuesday, 12 September 2006 to school .......................................... 10
Figure 6:
Kilometres travelled by mode on Tuesday, 12 September 2006 from school ..................................... 10
Figure 7:
Kilometres travelled by mode on Wednesday, 13 September 2006 to school .......................... 11
Figure 8:
Kilometres travelled by mode on Wednesday, 13 September 2006 from school ................................ 11
Figure 9:
Kilometres travelled by mode on Thursday, 14 September 2006 to school ........................................ 12
Figure 10:
Kilometres travelled by mode on Thursday, 14 September 2006 from school.................................... 12
Figure 11:
Kilometres travelled by mode on Friday, 15 September 2006 to school .................................. 13
Figure 12:
Kilometres travelled by mode on Friday, 15 September 2006 from school ........................................ 13
Figure 13:
Vehicle Kilometres Travelled (VKT), Weekly total............................................................................ 14
Figure 14:
Congestion........................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 15:
Main mode of transport ....................................................................................................................... 15
Figure 16:
Number and percentage of trips made by mode .................................................................................. 16
Figure 17:
Main reason for driving child to and from school ............................................................................... 17
Figure 18:
Statement when driving child.............................................................................................................. 18
Figure 19:
Main choice of encouragement to walk and cycle............................................................................... 20
Figure 20:
Main choice of encouragement to use public transport ....................................................................... 22
Figure 21:
Main choice of encouragement to try car pooling ............................................................................... 23
List of abbreviations and acronyms
DEH
Department of the Environment and Heritage / Australian Greenhouse Office
FSS
Fitzgerald State School
GGAP
Greenhouse Gas Abatement Program
PT
Public Transport
QT
Queensland Transport
TS
TravelSmart
VKT
Vehicle Kilometres Travelled
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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Executive Summary
The Fitzgerald State School Before Travel Survey was distributed to all Fitzgerald State School (FSS)
families a couple of days before 11 September 2006 as part of a TravelSmart Schools Project. A short
introduction on the Before Travel Surveys was included in the weekly newsletter and distributed to all
families. Teachers were provided with instructions to read out to all students. The prizes on offer, to
encourage families to complete the survey, included ten family movie passes (entry for two adults and two
children) to the Mackay Movie Cinemas, and a Subway lunch for the first class to return all distributed
surveys to the school office.
From the 500 families at Fitzgerald State School, a total of 225 responses were received (45% of total
families).
The Before Travel Survey responses provide the TravelSmart team with important details about family
and staff travel behaviour, sustainable transport information requirements and perceived barriers to travel
behaviour change.
In the week of the survey, the modal share in percentage of all km that have been travelled by the students
of the respondents, are:
•
85.1% by car;
•
3.2% by car pool;
•
1.8% by bicycle;
•
7.0% by public transport; and
•
2.9% by walking.
The three main reasons parents and carers drive their children to Fitzgerald State School are:
•
The trip is part of another journey (76 respondents, 33.8%);
•
They think that their child is too young to walk, cycle or catch public transport (51 respondents,
22.7%);
•
They believe that travelling by car is safer (33 respondents, 14.7%).
At present, only 8.5% of respondents' car pool to and from school (18 respondents). Survey responses to
Question 15 indicated that nothing would encourage the majority of the families (195 respondents, 71.2%)
to car pool.
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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Project Background
Queensland Transport's TravelSmart program is a voluntary travel behaviour change program, aimed at
encouraging the use of more sustainable modes of transport such as walking, cycling, public transport and
car pooling. TravelSmart removes perceived barriers to environmentally friendly travel choices by raising
awareness of the travel options available.
One of the key aspects of TravelSmart is that we only need to change a few of our weekly car trips to
sustainable forms of transport in order to have a marked impact on traffic congestion, air quality and our
health. TravelSmart challenges and encourages people to respond by making small changes in their travel
habits.
TravelSmart is divided into four sub-programs. They are TravelSmart Schools, TravelSmart Workplaces,
TravelSmart Communities and TravelSmart Destinations.
What are TravelSmart Schools?
The TravelSmart Schools program encourages school communities to consider environmentally-friendly
transport options as an alternative to motor vehicle use. Although the program targets journeys to and
from school, all household journeys are considered. TravelSmart Schools also supports school
communities in dealing with local traffic congestion, road safety and health issues.
Why TravelSmart Schools?
TravelSmart Schools is a program that specifically looks at how students travel to and from school and
what can be done to replace motor vehicle trips with more sustainable trips. This program is especially
important as it can have an impact on the vicious cycle of driving children to school (pictured below):
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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Travel Plans for TravelSmart Schools
A Travel Plan is a package of environmentally-friendly travel options which schools use to encourage
parents to consider alternatives to driving their children to and from school.
The 'Before Travel Survey' is one of the initial stages of the TravelSmart program, and sets the scene for
developing and delivering sustainable transport strategies and actions in the Travel Plan of a TravelSmart
School.
The development of a Travel Plan will focus on providing better information, offering incentives and
mode specific actions (public transport, cycling, walking and car pooling) to optimise the use of
sustainable travel by students and staff. The Travel Plan includes implementation, monitoring and review
of the workplace project.
A Project Working Group, with representatives from the school community, local government and
Queensland Transport, oversees the development of the School Travel Plan. Travel Plans combine a range
of strategies and activities which help to influence the school community to consider sustainable transport
options.
Objectives
The objectives of the TravelSmart School Project at Fitzgerald State School include, but are not limited to:
•
Reducing motor vehicle trips to and from Fitzgerald State School;
•
Providing increased travel choice for Fitzgerald State School students, families and staff;
•
Improving health by encouraging increased use of cycling and walking and increasing awareness
amongst students, families and staff of the inherent links between transport and health; and
•
Reducing congestion and improving road safety.
Performance Indicators
The ways in which we will know that we are achieving the objectives listed for the program include
gauging:
•
Reduction in single family and single occupancy motor vehicle trips to and from Fitzgerald State
School; and
•
Increase in public transport, car pooling, walking and cycling trips and/or distances to and from
Fitzgerald State School.
This will be measured with an 'After Travel Survey' to be conducted approximately 9 – 12 months after
the launch of the Travel Plan.
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
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Before Travel Survey Results
Sample Size
The Fitzgerald State School Before Travel Survey commenced on 11 September 2006. All families
received a survey from Queensland Transport regarding their travel choices and opinions.
500 families were asked to take part in the survey, 225 valid surveys were returned (45% response rate).
Sample size
400
350
340
300
250
Number of surveys
handed out
225
Number of valid surveys
returned
200
150
Number of invalid
surveys
100
50
0
0
Figure 1: Sample size
Parents of children from all grades returned the surveys. Distribution of the returned
surveys is equally spread amongst the grades except for a significantly lower response
from the preschool. The distribution is shown in the graph below.
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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Student's Grade
40
Frequency
30
20
36
16.36%
29
13.18%
29
13.18%
40
18.18%
31
14.09%
26
11.82%
10
23
10.45%
6
2.73%
0
preschool
grade 1
grade 2
grade 3
grade 4
grade 5
grade 6
grade 7
Figure 2: Distribution of returned surveys per student's grades
Question 1: Travel Log
One of the key components of a TravelSmart project is that every trip counts. Making a change to
sustainable transport for just one day per week can have a marked impact on the congestion, air quality
and your health. In order to capture those families and staff making a change to their travel behaviour one
day per week, TravelSmart surveys require travel details over a whole week.
In Question 1, Fitzgerald State School families were asked to provide their travel details to and from
school, for the week starting 11 September 2006. There was a map included with the survey, which
indicated 1km buffers from Fitzgerald State School, to assist respondents in determining how far they
travel to and from school.
During the Before Travel Survey, some students at Fitzgerald State School had a school camp. No travel
details were recorded for 6 students of grade 7 from and with Tuesday afternoon until and with Friday
morning. Five respondents didn't fill in any day of the travel diary. All these surveys were still included in
the analysis (N=225).
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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Kilometres travelled by mode on Monday to
school
Kilometres travelled
1000
863.6
800
600
400
200
31.5
24.65
41.2
24.25
car pool (n=7)
bicycle (n=11)
PT (n=5)
walking (n=39)
0
car (n=164)
Transport mode
Figure 3: Kilometres travelled by mode on Monday, 11 September 2006 to school ("n" equals trips)
Kilometres travelled
Kilometres travelled by mode on Monday from
school
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
794.7
48.1
car (n=149)
75.2
34.75
PT (n=11)
walking (n=30)
24.65
car pool (n=10) bicycle (n=11)
Transport mode
Figure 4: Kilometres travelled by mode on Monday, 11 September 2006 from school ("n" equals trips)
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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Kilometres travelled by mode on Tuesday to
school
Kilometres travelled
1000
881.5
800
600
400
200
31.5
23.15
37.2
21.6
car pool (n=7)
bicycle (n=11)
PT (n=5)
walking (n=28)
0
car (n=168)
Transport mode
Figure 5: Kilometres travelled by mode on Tuesday, 12 September 2006 to school ("n" equals trips)
Kilometres travelled
Kilometres travelled by mode on Tuesday from
school
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
817.7
car (n=151)
26
24.15
61
31.9
car pool (n=7)
bicycle (n=11)
PT (n=13)
walking (n=37)
Transport mode
Figure 6: Kilometres travelled by mode on Tuesday, 12 September 2006 from school ("n" equals trips)
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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Kilometres travelled
Kilometres travelled by mode on Wednesday to
school
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
831.5
car (n=163)
89.2
23
14.75
car pool (n=6)
bicycle (n=7)
PT (n=10)
25.05
walking (n=30)
Transport mode
Figure 7: Kilometres travelled by mode on Wednesday, 13 September 2006 to school ("n" equals trips)
Kilometres travelled
Kilometres travelled by mode on Wednesday from
school
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
779.9
car (n=150)
106.2
28
14.75
car pool (n=9)
bicycle (n=8)
PT (n=15)
34.45
walking (n=40)
Transport mode
Figure 8: Family Before Travel Survey - Results for Question 1: Wednesday, 13 September 2006 from
School ("n" equals trips)
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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Kilometres travelled
Kilometres travelled by mode on Thursday to
school
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
831.3
car (n=162)
27
10.75
car pool (n=7)
bicycle (n=7)
76.2
PT (n=9)
19.95
walking (n=28)
Transport mode
Figure 9: Kilometres travelled by mode on Thursday, 14 September 2006 to school ("n" equals trips)
Kilometres travelled
Kilometres travelled by mode on Thursday from
school
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
814.5
car (n=148)
43
10.75
car pool (n=10)
bicycle (n=7)
71.2
PT (n=15)
28.85
walking (n=38)
Transport mode
Figure 10: Kilometres travelled by mode on Thursday, 14 September 2006 from school ("n" equals trips)
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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Kilometres travelled
Kilometres travelled by mode on Friday to school
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
856.1
car (n=160)
20.5
14.75
46.2
24.4
car pool (n=7)
bicycle (n=8)
PT (n=7)
walking (n=30)
Transport mode
Figure 11: Kilometres travelled by mode on Friday, 15 September 2006 to school ("n" equals trips)
Kilometres travelled
Kilometres travelled by mode on Friday from
school
900
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
800.5
car (n=154)
32
14.75
car pool (n=10)
bicycle (n=8)
79.2
PT (n=11)
32.8
walking (n=40)
Transport mode
Figure 12: Kilometres travelled by mode on Friday, 15 September 2006 from school ("n" equals trips)
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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Vehicle Kilometres Travelled (VKT)
The Fitzgerald State School is a part of the Greenhouse Gas Abatement Program (GGAP) project, and
receives funding from the Department of the Environment and Heritage / Australian Greenhouse Office
(DEH). To qualify for GGAP funding, TravelSmart School Projects such as Fitzgerald State School needs
to reach a 14% reduction in VKT. This is measured by comparing the VKT in the Before Travel Survey to
the After Travel Survey.
Kilometres travelled
Weekly total of all kilometres travelled to and from
school (by mode)
9000
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
8271.3
310.6
682.8
278
PT (n=101)
walking
(n=340)
177.1
car (n=1569) car pool (n=80) bicycle (n=89)
Transport mode
Figure 13: Vehicle Kilometres Travelled (VKT), Weekly total ("n" equals trips)
According to family respondents to the Before Travel Survey, the total kilometres travelled for each mode
are:
•
8271.3 kilometres by car;
•
310.6 kilometres by car pool;
•
177.1 kilometres by bicycle;
•
682.8 kilometres by public transport; and
•
278.0 kilometres by walking.
Modal share
The modal share in percentage of all km that have been travelled by the students of the respondents, are:
•
85.1% by car;
•
3.2% by car pool;
•
1.8% by bicycle;
•
7.0% by public transport; and
•
2.9% by walking.
Question 2: Is congestion around Fitzgerald State School before and after school a problem for you?
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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From 225 responding families, 22 did not answer this question (9.8%). Of the 203 families which
responded, 106 (47.1%) consider the congestion around the school as a problem, whereas 97 (43.1%) do
not.
Is congestion around FSS before and after school
a problem for you?
Missing
9.8%
Yes
47.1%
No
43.1%
Figure 14: Congestion
Question 3: What was the main mode of transport you, as a child, used to get to and from primary
school?
The graph below shows the number of respondents (and percentages) that used to get the different modes
of transport to and from primary school.
What was the main mode of transport you, as a
child, used to get to and from primary school?
Transport mode
car
bicycle
walking
public transport
invalid
car pool
36.9%
83
22.7%
51
21.3%
48
12.0%
6.2%
27
14
0.9%
2
0
20
40
60
80
100
Number of survey respondents and percentages
Figure 15: Main mode of transport
The comparison with the mode split considering all the trips that have been made during the week of the
survey shows that cars are much more often used to bring students to school today than in the past. 15.6%
of all trips were made by walking and only 4.6% by public transport.
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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Transport mode
Number and percentage of trips made by
mode
car
walking
public transport
bicycle
car pool
72.0%
1569
15.6%
340
4.6%
101
4.1%
89
3.7%
80
0
500
1000
1500
2000
Number of trips made and percentages
Figure 16: Number and percentage of trips made by mode
Question 4: Do you use a motor vehicle to transport your child to/from Fitzgerald State School?
85.7% of the parents (191 respondents) do use a motor vehicle to transport their child to/from school on a
regular basis, whereas 14.3% (32 respondents) do not. Not included are two respondents, who did not
answer this question.
Question 5: What are your main reasons?
The respondents that use a motor vehicle to transport their child to/from school (191 respondents) were
asked to rank the reasons. However, 187 persons responded to the question.
According to family respondents' first rankings, the main reasons parents/carers continue to drive their
children to/from school include:
•
33.8% of respondents say the trip is part of another journey (76 respondents);
•
22.7% of respondents say that their child is too young to walk, cycle or catch public transport (51
respondents);
•
14.7% of respondents think that travelling by car is safer (33 respondents);
•
4% of respondents say that the distance between Fitzgerald State School and their home is too far
(9 respondents);
•
2.2% of respondents give individual reasons under the rubric "other" (5 respondents).
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
Page 66 of 95
Further results (not shown in the graph):
•
1.8% of respondents consider weather conditions as a reason to drive their child (4 respondents);
•
1.3% of respondents make other stops along the way (3 respondents);
•
1.3% of respondents feel that public transport is too expensive (3 respondents); and
•
0.9% of respondents do not have public transport operating in their area (2 respondents);
•
0.4% of respondents attending special events at the school (1 respondent).
Main reason for driving child to and from school
50
Percent
40
30
20
10
0
O
er
th
ild
ch
e
nc
ta
is
D
g
lin
el
av
Tr
y
M
e
m
ho
d
an
is
re
cu
se
ol
ho
sc
e
or
m
o
to
r
fa
e
od
m
e
on
al
rt
po
ns
tra
of
le
yc
n
io
at
oc
c
or
rl
he
ot
an
k
al
,w
PT
m
fro
h
tc
ca
d
an
to
r,
fe
sa
to
g
un
yo
s
ri
ca
o
to
by
is
ty
ne
ur
jo
n
ee
tw
be
y
m
of
rt
Pa
Figure 17: Main reason for driving child to and from school
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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Question 6: If you currently drive you child to/from school, which statement best describes your
travel choice?
163 respondents of 225 did answer Question 6 (some families were asked to skip the question and some
did not answer it).
•
60.8% (99 respondents) indicated, that the statement "My child never walks or cycles or catches
public transport to/from school, and it would be out of the question for him/her" best describes their
travel choice;
•
28.2% (46 respondents) stated, that "My child hardly ever walks or cycles or catches public transport
to/from school, but might start doing so within the next year"; and
•
11% (18 respondents) said, that "My child hardly ever walks or cycles or catches public transport
to/from school, and we have never really thought about doing it".
If you currently drive your child to/from school, which
statement best describes your travel choice?
70
60
Percent
50
40
30
20
10
0
never and out of the
question
hardly ever and might start
doing so
hardly ever and never
reallly thought about it
Figure 18: Statement when driving child
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
Page 68 of 95
Question 7: Does your child regularly walk to/from school?
81.4% of the children (180 respondents) at Fitzgerald State School do not walk to school on a regular
basis, whereas 18.6% (41 respondents) do. Four respondents did not answer the question.
Question 8: Does your child have access to a suitable bicycle and helmet?
Families with children who regularly walk to school were ask to skip this question, therefore 184
respondents should have answered this question. 32 skipped the question, but another 30 did not answer it.
Of the remaining 163 respondents 92% (150 respondents) admitted that their child has access to a suitable
bicycle and helmet, whereas 8% (13 respondents) do not.
Question 9: Does your child regularly cycle to/from school?
41 respondents were asked to skip the question, 31 actually did. Additionally, 31 respondents did not
answer the question.
Of the 163 people responding, 149 (91.4%) answered with "no" and only 14 (8.6%) with "yes".
Question 10: What would encourage your child to walk or cycle to and from school?
For question 10, respondents were asked to rank the choices.
Respondents with children who regularly walk or cycle to school were asked to skip the question and
some respondents did not answer the question. The graph is based on the answers of 149 respondents.
According to family respondents' first rankings:
•
28.2% of family respondents would try walking and cycling if they lived closer to the school (42
respondents);
•
19.5% of respondents would try walking and cycling if their children were accompanied by an
adult (29 respondents);
•
nothing would encourage 16.1% of family respondents (24 respondents);
•
personal security and road safety training for children is a concern for 14.1% of respondents (21
respondents);
•
10.7% of family respondents would consider walking and cycling if there was less congestion
around Fitzgerald State School (16 respondents).
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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What would encourage your child to walk or cycle to and from
school? Ranked first
30
25
Percent
20
15
10
5
0
If we lived
closer to the
school distance > 5
kms
If I or other
parents
walked/cycled
with my child
Nothing
Personal
security and
road safety
training for my
child
If there was
less traffic
congestion
around school
Figure 19: Main choice of encouragement to walk and cycle
There were also 17 individual main reasons for not considering walking or cycling as an option or not
being encouraged to let the child walk or cycle (11.4%). Of those parents, 4 respondents considered their
child to be too young to walk/cycle, 6 respondents had concerns about the traffic and security of their
children.
Question 11: Does your child regularly use public transport to get to/from school?
10.9% use public transport to and from school on a regular basis (24 respondents). 89.1% do not (196
respondents), whereas 5 respondents did not answer the question.
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
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Question 12: What type of public transport does your child use? How often does your child use this
service over a week? Do you receive School Travel Assistance?
Of the 24 children who use public transport, the vast majority uses the school bus services (22
respondents).
The children travel from "rarely" to up to ten times per week by public transport.
Only 2 respondents receive School Travel Assistance.
Question 13: What would encourage your child to use public transport for travel to and from
school?
Respondents were again asked to rank the choices in Question 13.
200 families responded to this question.
According to family respondents' first rankings:
•
nothing would encourage 25% of family respondents to consider public transport (50
respondents);
•
23% of family respondents would consider public transport when their child is older (46
respondents);
•
19.5% of family respondents would consider public transport if they lived further away from the
school (39 respondents);
•
8.5% of family respondents would consider public transport if their child had a friend to travel
with (17 respondents);
•
4.5% of family respondents would consider public transport if they received information on the
Code of Conduct for school bus travel (9 respondents);
•
2.5% of family respondents would consider public transport if they received information on what
public transport services their children could use (5 respondents);
•
2.5% of respondents would consider public transport if they received information regarding their
child's eligibility for subsidised public transport (5 respondents).
29 respondents mentioned other reasons that would encourage them to consider public transport as
transportation mode for their child. Even these were individualised responses, the majority fitted into two
groups:
•
Parents not happy with the current bus service (convenience, timetable, reliability) (8 respondents)
•
Parents concerned about the safety in and around the busses (5 respondents)
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
Page 71 of 95
What would encourage your child to use public transport for
travel to and from school? Ranked first
25
Percent
20
15
10
5
0
fo
In
fo
In
PT
t
ou
ab
on
y
ilit
ib
ig
el
s
ice
rv
se
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ve
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ith
w
ct
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on
C
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to
e
od
C
d
en
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ay
aw
er
rth
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r
de
ol
t
ou
ab
a
is
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ild
ch
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ild
ch
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er
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y
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ng
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ot
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Figure 20: Main choice of encouragement to use public transport
Question 14: Does your child regularly car pool to get to/from school?
213 respondents of 225 answered Question 14.
8.5% currently car pool to/from Fitzgerald State School (18 respondents), whereas 91.5% choose another
mode of transport (195 respondents).
Question 15: What would encourage you to arrange for your child to try car pooling to/from school?
In Question 15, respondents were asked to rank the choices.
The graph is based on the answers of 198 respondents.
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
Page 72 of 95
According to family respondents' first rankings:
•
nothing would encourage 71.2% of family respondents to consider car pooling (141 respondents);
•
17.2% of family respondents would consider car pooling if they had assistance in finding car
pooling partners (34 respondents);
•
8.6% of family respondents mentioned other, individual reasons (17 respondents); and
•
3% of family respondents would consider car pooling if they received more information regarding
car pooling (6 respondents).
What would encourage you to arrange for your child to try car
pooling to/from school? Ranked first
80
Percent
60
40
20
0
nothing
assistance finding
car pool partners
other
more information
Figure 21: Main choice of encouragement to try car pooling
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
Page 73 of 95
For Consideration in the Travel Plan
The Before Travel Survey at Fitzgerald State School has uncovered valuable data on current student and
family perceived barriers to travel behaviour change. From here, Fitzgerald students and families, with the
assistance of the TravelSmart Team and the Project Working Group can begin to consider implementing
various strategies to decrease single family motor vehicle use to and from school.
These can include:
•
TravelSmart walk to School Days: Students will be encouraged to walk to school from home or
from drop-off points near the school. Healthy breakfasts can be provided as part of this activity.
•
Pedometer Challenge: Students, parents and teachers can participate in a walking challenge to
determine how many steps they are actually taking each day.
•
Car Pooling: A database can be established and parents interested in car pooling can be put in
touch with each other. Guidelines for car pooling can also be provided.
•
Cycle Skills Course: A 2 day course conducted during class time to teach students road safety
rules, cycling skills and provide them with a few tips and tricks on becoming more skilled at
cycling.
•
TravelSmart Parent Information Packs: Packs distributed to all parents to inform them of the
TravelSmart Project, its goals and underlying messages. The packs will also provide details on
how parents and children can get involved in the program.
•
Parent Forums: Evenings where parents and carers who show and interest in forming informal
walking, cycling and car pooling groups. Forums are held where parents and carers are provided
with general information (including safety suggestions), as well as mapping tools in an attempt to
facilitate the making of 'TravelSmart Groups'.
•
Police Safety Talks: This initiative involves local police officers talking to students about road
rules and other safety issues related to TravelSmart.
•
TravelSmart Music Competition: This activity enables students to explore TravelSmart themes
and messages to compose their own songs and participate in the TravelSmart program at
Fitzgerald State School.
•
TravelSmart to School Days: Volunteers from the Fitzgerald State School Project Working
Group welcome students at the school gates, congratulating and rewarding those students who are
travelling smart. Alternatively, students could register to participate and once they have travelled
smart to school they could receive a free healthy breakfast as a reward.
•
TravelSmart Class Challenge: The challenge runs for two weeks and encourages students,
families and staff to walk, car pool or catch public transport to and from school as often as
possible. Students and staff who participate in the Class Challenge will go into a prize draw.
•
TravelSmart Celebration Assembly: This event is a school assembly with a carnival
atmosphere, which is used to officially thank and congratulate the students, teachers, parents and
carers for their participation in the TravelSmart Schools Program. All stakeholders are invited to
this event.
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
Page 74 of 95
Barriers to Change
The following is a list of potential barriers which may prevent some students, families and staff from
participating in the TravelSmart Schools program at Fitzgerald State School:
•
Distance: Fitzgerald State School has a large catchment area for students; therefore it will be
harder to encourage the walking and cycling aspects of the project. Also, some families live in
isolated areas of Mackay and their only means of travelling to and from school is by car – for
students in these situations, it may be possible to encourage them to form and join car pooling
groups.
•
Safety: Parents in the Mackay area have been hesitant in letting their children walk, cycle and
catch public transport alone because of safety concerns. A lack of general road safety (traffic,
strangers) and personal safety skills by the students are major barriers to a change in transport
behaviour. Parents also believe that travelling by car is safer.
Also, some parents have brought to teachers and employees of QT attention that they feel the
current school buses are unsafe (missing seatbelts).
•
Public Transport: Some families live in areas where public transport does not access.
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
Page 75 of 95
Appendix 1: Before Travel Survey
Note that the size of the font and map has been minimized to fit into this document.
Complete this travel survey and
return it to your class teacher
by Thursday 21 September 2006
and you could WIN one of ten family
Movie Passes
(Each pass includes entry for 2 Adults and 2 Children. See page 2 for terms and conditions.)
Queensland Transport, The Department of the Environment and Heritage Australian Greenhouse Office and Mackay
City Council are working in partnership with Fitzgerald State School to develop a School Travel Plan. The Travel
Plan aims to reduce traffic around your School to make it a healthier and safer place for students, families, staff, and
the environment. You can help by completing the following travel survey.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Complete one survey per household.
There are no right or wrong answers – we are interested in your views.
Questions about the travel behaviour of your child refer to the eldest child you have attending Fitzgerald State
School only.
Please return completed survey to your eldest child's class teacher by Thursday 21 September.
If you have also completed questions 18 to 22 (not compulsory), this will ensure that:
o Your family goes into the draw for the family movie passes and
o Your child's class will be in the running for a free healthy lunch.
Prize terms and conditions are outlined on page 2.
The information you provide will be used in the strictest confidence in accordance with Queensland Transport's
privacy guidelines, outlined on page 2.
HOW TO WRITE YOUR ANSWERS
•
•
•
•
•
Use black or blue pen.
Mark boxes like this 4 or use numerals when requested.
Write in CAPITAL letters.
If you do not know an answer, give the best answer you can.
If you have any queries, or require assistance in completing this survey, please contact the Principal on 4965
6300 or Queensland Transport's TravelSmart Program:
Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
+61 7 3253 4006
Fax:
+61 7 3854 1239
Address:
PO Box 673 Fortitude Valley Brisbane Queensland 4006.
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
Page 76 of 95
MAP OF AREA SURROUNDING THE SCHOOL
This map may help you work out the distance in kilometres that you travel between home and school:
QUEENSLAND TRANSPORT PRIVACY GUIDELINES
Queensland Transports respects your privacy. The information you provide will be compiled in a database on travel
behaviour. Queensland Transport will use the information to develop TravelSmart initiatives to inform, encourage
and reward you for using more environmentally friendly travel options. By participating in this survey you consent to
Queensland Transport using survey information for these purposes. The information you provide will be treated in
the strictest of confidence and will be accessible only by authorised departmental officers. Your personal information
will not be disclosed to a third party without your consent, unless required to do so by law.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Family Movie Passes and Class Lunch
1. This survey incentive competition is being conducted by Queensland Transport (QT). 2. Families are only eligible
if they return a completed valid survey by the specified date. 3. Employees of Community Partnerships and
Development Unit of QT, and their families are not eligible to enter. 4. The first ten valid completed surveys
drawn from a box will win the family passes. 5. The first class to return all distributed surveys to the school office
will win the Class Lunch prize. A QT Officer will liaise with the class Teacher to arrange details. 6. The winners will
be announced no later than October 2006 and the decision is final. 7. The winners will be notified by a Fitzgerald
State School representative. 8. The prize voucher will be delivered within two weeks of the announcement.
9. Prizes are valued at $411.00 and include: 20 adult passes and 20 children passes to any Birch Carroll and Coyle
movie (subject to terms and conditions of cinema); Subway lunch for a class of 30 children. 10. In the event that the
prize winners are unable to be contacted, the prizes will be kept for three months. If the prizes are not claimed within
that period another winner will be drawn.
TRAVEL LOG
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
Page 77 of 95
Q1
Please provide details for your travel to and from school for the week starting Monday 11 September,
2006. Refer to the map on page two for approximate distances.
Example for Question 1:
Chris lives approximately 3 kilometres from Fitzgerald State School. Chris walks 400 metres from home to the nearest bus stop, and then catches a
Mackay Transit Coaches bus which travels 2.6km to school. The return journey is the same in reverse. The travel log entry for Monday reflects the
journey to and from school:
Monday TO school
CAR: Your child is a
passenger in your motor
vehicle.
PUBLIC
TRANSPORT:
MTC (school
bus)
1
7
9
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
2.6 km
Public Transport
2.6 km
Walk
0.4 km
Walk
0.4 km
2
Monday 11.09.06 FROM school
Monday 11.09.06 TO school
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
3 Tuesday
5
CAR POOL:
Your child is
the passenger
in another family's
vehicle or you give
other children,
as well as your
own, a lift to schoo
Monday FROM school
12.09.06 TO school
4
Tuesday 12.09.06 FROM school
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
Wednesday 13.09.06 TO school
6
Wednesday 13.09.06 FROM school
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
Thursday 14.09.06 TO school
8
Thursday 14.09.06 FROM school
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
Friday 15.09.06 TO school
10
Friday 15.09.06 FROM school
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
Page 78 of 95
Q2
Is congestion around Fitzgerald State School before and after school a problem for you?
† Yes
† No
Q3
What was the main mode of transport you, as a child, used to get to and from primary school?
† Walk
† Cycle
† Car
† Car pool
† Public transport
For the following sections, please consider which mode of transport your child regularly uses to get and
from Fitzgerald State School.
MOTOR VEHICLE
Q4
Do you use a motor vehicle to transport your child to/from Fitzgerald State School?
† Yes
† No (Skip to Question 7)
Q5
What are your main reasons? Please rank all that apply in order of importance, with 1 being most
important.
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
Q6
It is part of my journey to and from another location (for example, work, dropping other
children off elsewhere)
My child is too young to catch public transport, walk, and cycle to school on their own
Travelling by car is a safer and a more secure mode of transport – child's safety
Public transport does not operate near my home
We need to make other stops along the way (for example, sporting activities, shopping)
Public transport is too expensive - using the car is cheaper
Distance between home and school is too far
I attend special events at the school
Hot, wet or cold weather conditions
My child has to carry heavy items
Other (please describe):________________________________________________
If you currently drive your child to/from school, which statement best describes your travel
choice?
†
†
†
My child never walks or cycles or catches public transport to/from school, and it would be out
of the question for him/her
My child hardly ever walks or cycles or catches public transport to/from school, and we have
never really thought about doing it
My child hardly ever walks or cycles or catches public transport to/from school, but might
start doing so within the next year
WALKING & CYCLING
Q7
Does your child regularly walk to/from school?
† Yes (Skip to Question 11)
† No
Q8
Does your child have access to a suitable bicycle and helmet?
† Yes
† No
Q9
Does your child regularly cycle to/from school?
† Yes (Skip to Question 11)
† No
Q10 What would encourage your child to walk or cycle to and from school? Please rank all that
apply in order of importance, with 1 being most important.
†
†
If I or other parents were to walk or cycle with my child – assistance finding partners
Personal security and road safety training for my child
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
Page 79 of 95
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
If there was less traffic congestion around Fitzgerald State School
More information on walking and cycling paths and facilities
If more people were walking and cycling to school
Awareness of the benefits for my child of increased and regular physical activity
Cycle skills and development training for my child
Assistance with bike maintenance
Information about the benefits of protecting the environment
Discounts on bike and walking equipment
If we lived closer to the school - the distance is further than 5km
Nothing
Other (please describe):______________________________________
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Q11 Does your child regularly use public transport to get to/from school?
† Yes
† No (Skip to Question 13)
Q12 What type of public transport does your child use? For example, MTC (school bus services)
_______________________________________________________
Route Number: _______________________________________________________________
How often does your child use this service over a week? ___________________________
Do you receive School Travel Assistance?
† Yes (Skip to Question 14) † No
Q13 What would encourage your child to use public transport for travel to and from school?
Please rank all that apply in order of importance, with 1 being most important.
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
†
Information about the Code of Conduct for school bus travel (includes anti-bullying)
If my child had a friend to travel with – assistance finding partners
Information on public transport services that my family can use (for example, timetable and
school bus information )
Information about eligibility for subsidised public transport
I would allow my child to use public transport if more children used these services
Knowledge of relative cost of running and maintaining a car versus cost of public transport
If we were to move further away from the school – we currently live within 5km
When my child is older
Nothing
Other (please describe):_____________________________________________________
CAR POOLING: Lift-giving arrangements between families and friends
Q14 Does your child regularly car pool to get to/from school?
† Yes (Skip to Question 16)
† No
Q15 What would encourage you to arrange for your child to try car pooling to/from school?
Please rank all that apply in order of importance, with 1 being most important.
† Assistance finding car pool partners
† More information
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
Page 80 of 95
† Nothing (Skip to Personal Information and Question 18)
† Other (please describe): _____________________________________________________
If you are interested in car pooling, or would like to broaden your car pooling network please answer the
following questions:
Q16 How many additional children would you regularly be able to safely accommodate to/from
school?
† 1 † 2 † 3 † 4 † More: _______
Q17 How many children would you require to be transported to/from school?
† 1 † 2 † 3 † 4 † More: _______
PERSONAL INFORMATION
This information is strictly confidential. No data will be linked to you or disclosed to any third party. The
following information is important and will be used to:
•
•
•
enter you into the prize draw for family movie passes
enter your child's class into the free healthy lunch prize draw
analyse distances travelled (essential for reporting to funding bodies)
Q18 What is the first initial and last name of your eldest child attending Fitzgerald State School?
For example, J. CITIZEN
________________________________________________________________________
Q19 What class is your eldest child in? For example, 6.C.
________________________________________________________________________
Please complete the following details relating to the main residential address of your child.
Q20 Street Name: _____________________________________________________________
Q21 Suburb: _________________________________________________________________
Q22 Post Code: ______________________________________________________________
Thank you for completing this survey!
Please return to your eldest child's class teacher before Thursday 21 September
Fitzgerald Before Travel Survey
25 January 2008
Page 81 of 95
FITZGERALD STATE SCHOOL TRAVEL PLAN 2006/07
This document covers the following issues:
Organised groups/community action
Providing information and raising awareness
Events/Promotion
Education and skill building
Data Collection and Evaluation
Key Contacts
Many of the below activities will depend on the availability of the school community to engage teachers,
parents, community leaders, volunteers and the students themselves. Fitzgerald State School could
initiate engagement strategies such as:
• Issue specific partnerships
• Working bee style groups for one-off promotions
• Parent networks/club style groups to drive ongoing activities
• Partnerships with community agencies such as Noosa Council, Rotary, and so on to attract
human and financial resources and expertise.
Abbreviations:
FSS = Fitzgerald State School
QT
= Queensland Transport
MC = Mackay City Council
Organised groups/community action
Strategy/Output/Service
Delivered
Project Working Group
(PWG) Meetings
Who does what
• Members from the various school community
groups meet on a regular basis to ensure
effective representation of the school
community
• Project Officer updates on the progress of the
project and seeks input from members
Timeframe
These meetings are
held over the length of
the project
Other information
• These PWG meetings help
determine the events and
activities for the school
which is reflected in the
Travel Plan
Status
2007: Ongoing
Providing information and raising awareness
Strategy/Output/
Service Delivered
Who does what
Timeframe
Status
• QT to make presentation to teaching staff on TS
Presentation to be held
in February 2007
• Presentation to include
information on aims,
interventions, and
curriculum
2007:
To be undertaken
• Presentation of 'An Inconvenient Truth' and
summary of Before Travel Survey results
• QT will present background information to the
group on the 'whys' of TravelSmart
• Information on the options available for example,
walking points, cycling, and car pooling
• Delivery of parent information packs (back packs)
These forums will
commence in February
2007
• QT provides advice and
templates
• Backpacks to include
information and
TravelSmart merchandise
• Day time and night time
session to be held
2007:
To be undertaken
Timeframe
Other information
Presentation to teachers
Parent forums – informal
walking, cycling and car
pooling groups
Other information
Events/Promotion
Strategy/Output/
Service Delivered
TravelSmart to School Days
TravelSmart Web
Competition
Who does what
Status
• QT organised days where students can walk, ride
or catch the bus to school. QT will provide
incentives in the form of TS merchandise and a
healthy breakfast.
• Volunteers from FSS welcome students at the
school gates, congratulating and rewarding those
students who are travelling smart.
• School tuckshop to organise breakfasts and
invoice TS
TravelSmart to school • QT provides incentives
days will commence
in February 2007 and
be held each fortnight
for terms 1 & 2.
2007:
To be undertaken
• QT organised competition to enable each class to
design a TravelSmart webpage
• QT will prepare information to give to teachers to
educate students on TravelSmart aims and
messages.
The web competition • QT sponsors the prize
will take place in April
2007.
2007:
To be undertaken
Judging will be in
June 2007
Strategy/Output/
Service Delivered
Pedometer challenge
Cycling day
Bus week
Who does what
Timeframe
Other information
Status
• QT to organise walking event in conjunction with
Qld Health at one of the Gooseponds 10 000
steps track
• Qld Health to assist
• QT to gain approval from MC to hold event in the
park
This event will be held • Challenge will be run on a
over March/April
weekend in conjunction
2007
with a family day at the
Gooseponds 10 000 steps
track
• QT to organise with Bicycle Mackay and PCYC to
hold a cycling day in a local park (probably
Gooseponds)
• QT to gain approval from MC to hold event in the
park
April 2007
• Maintenance workshops,
trial bikes, journey
planning, and bicycle
buddies
2007:
To be undertaken
• QT to liaise with teachers to organise collection of
names of students who catch the bus during the
week
May 2007
• Each trip students make on
the bus they will go into the
draw for a prize
2007:
To be undertaken
2007:
To be undertaken
Strategy/Output/
Service Delivered
Who does what
TravelSmart Class
Challenge and Celebration
Assembly
• The Class Challenge is conducted over two
weeks where teachers help students to record the
way they travel to and from school. Students are
encouraged to try a TravelSmart mode.
• QT provides templates for the Class Travel Log,
accompanying School Newsletter articles,
sandwich board signage, and final media
releases.
• QT provides letters to parents and teachers to be
distributed by the school (one letter per family) to
ask for their support during the Class Challenge
and invite them to attend the Celebration
Assembly.
• For the Celebration Assembly, QT and the school
work together to:
Ö Compile a VIP invite list (VIPs are invited to
give speeches and thank the community for
being part of TravelSmart)
Ö Arrange prize draws
Ö Source promotional materials (eg, balloons,
posters)
Ö Analyse Class Travel Logs to measure
FSS’s success
• The school collects Class Travel Logs at the end
of the Challenge and provides audio visual
equipment, VIP seating for the assembly, and
master of ceremonies (Student leaders)
• At the Celebration Assembly, QT provides a
banner for the school to erect at the front gate
• The school advertises the event via regular
communication mechanisms
Timeframe
To be arranged for
June 2007
Celebration Assembly
could possible be
held in mid to late
September 2007
Other information
• QT sponsors the prizes
• Letters will be sent out to
families to be sent out
prior to the Class
Challenge
Status
2007:
To be undertaken
Education and skill building
Strategy/Output/
Service Delivered
Who does what
Timeframe
• PCYC to provide cycle skills training for all year
fours
• School arranges enrolment via teachers and
parents
Cycle Skills Course
will be undertaken in
May 2007
• QT is to liaise with Mackay Police to organise an
officer to educate the children on road safety
skills, cycle safety skills and personal safety
techniques.
The police safety talks
will be held in
March/April
Other information
• QT to pay for the cycle
skills course
Status
2007:
To be undertaken
Cycle Skills Course
Police Safety Talks
• These talks are for
students in grade 4 to 7
2007:
To be undertaken
Data Collection and Evaluation
Strategy/Output/
Service Delivered
Site Assessment
Before Travel Survey
Travel Plan
Who does what
Timeframe
Other information
Status
• QT conducted a site assessment of the school;
information gathered was on the access points of
the school, such as pathways, the conditions of
infrastructure, characteristics of the precinct,
surrounding areas and so on.
• The information gathered here determined the
recommendations in the report
The site assessment
was conducted in
early November
2006
• The site assessment
was conducted at
various times and dates
that allowed a more
precise observation of
the nature of the school
and its surroundings
2006:
The initial site assessment
has been undertaken. The
report will be completed
early 2007
• QT provided information of the survey and
teachers and staff helped with the process of
survey distribution and collection
• QT conducted a survey that would produce
desirable information from the families and staff of
FSS.
• The questions were based on what mode of
transport they used to get to and from school and
how often and on what days and so on.
• The data collected was then entered into SPSS for
statistics and graphs that contributed to the Before
Travel Survey Report
• QT produced a plan of all the activities and events
that have and will take place during the life of the
project
• The plan provides a descriptive outline of what
happens, when it happens and its current status
• These events and activities have been discussed
and agreed upon by the members of the PWG
The Before Travel
Survey was
conducted in
October 2006
• QT provided incentives
for those who
participated in the
survey.
• Families had the chance
to win one of ten family
movie passes
• Teachers had one of two
chances to win movie
tickets
2006:
The surveys have been
conducted
The draft Travel Plan
has been produced
• The plan will be given to
the principal as a on the
progress of the project
2007:
This plan is due to be
finalised in early February
Strategy/Output/
Service Delivered
Who does what
Timeframe
Other information
Status
• QT to conduct interim project report.
April 2007
• One class to be selected
and surveyed. Interim
report submitted to AGO
2007:
To be undertaken
• QT provide the survey and information to teachers
• Survey to collect information and to compare VKT
• Data will be collected and entered into SPSS and
contribute to the Final Report
August 2007
• QT to provide incentives
for those who participate
in the survey
2007:
To be undertaken
Interim Report
After Travel Survey
Key Contacts
Name
Title
John Day
Principal Project Officer (TravelSmart)
Mark Davies
Senior Project Officer (TravelSmart)
Karen Wood
Road Safety Officer
Organisation
Queensland
Transport
Queensland
Transport
Queensland
Transport
Phone
Number
3117 5476
3117 5482
4951 8331
Email address
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Fitzgerald State School Family Travel Survey September 2007
Complete this travel survey and
return it to your class teacher
by Wednesday 12 September 2007
and you could WIN a night at
Club Crocodile
Airlie Beach
Prize includes accommodation and breakfast for 2 Adults and 2 Children valued at $152.
See page 2 for terms and conditions.
Queensland Transport, The Australian Greenhouse Office in the Department of the Environment and Water
Resources and Mackay City Council have been working in partnership with Fitzgerald State School to minimise car
trips and reduce traffic around your school to make it a healthier and safer place for students, families, staff, and the
environment. You can help by completing the following travel survey.
What you need to do
• Complete one survey per household.
• There are no right or wrong answers – we are interested in your views.
• Questions about the travel behaviour of your child refer to the eldest child you have attending Fitzgerald State
School only.
• Please return completed survey to your eldest child's class teacher by Wednesday 12 September 2007.
• Completing Questions 6 and 7 (not compulsory), will ensure that—
o Your family goes into the draw for the prize and
o Your child's class will be in the running for a free healthy lunch.
• Prize terms and conditions are outlined on page 2.
• The information you provide will be used in the strictest confidence in accordance with Queensland Transport's
privacy guidelines, outlined on page 2.
How to write your answers
• Use black or blue pen.
• Mark boxes like this 4 or use numerals when requested.
• Write in CAPITAL letters.
• If you do not know an answer, give the best answer you can.
• If you have any queries, or require assistance in completing this survey, please contact the Principal on 4965
6333 or Queensland Transport's TravelSmart Program:
Email:
[email protected]
Phone:
+61 7 3167 4414
Fax:
+61 7 3236 1781
Address:
PO Box 673 Fortitude Valley Brisbane Queensland 4006.
Printed on Recycled Paper
Map of the area surrounding the school
This map may help you work out the distance in kilometres that you travel between home and school.
Helpful hint: If you have been using the following drop-off points, the walking distance to the school will be—
• Touch football fields— 500 metres
• Bovey St — 700 metres
• Benbow Ct — 500 metres
Queensland Transport Privacy Guidelines
Queensland Transports respects your privacy. The information you provide will be compiled in a database on travel
behaviour. Queensland Transport will use the information to develop TravelSmart initiatives to inform, encourage
and reward you for using more environmentally friendly travel options. By participating in this survey you consent
to Queensland Transport using survey information for these purposes. The information you provide will be treated
in the strictest of confidence and will be accessible only by authorised departmental officers. Your personal
information will not be disclosed to a third party without your consent, unless required to do so by law.
Terms and Conditions: Club Crocodile accommodation and Class Lunch
1. This survey incentive competition is being conducted by Queensland Transport (QT).
2. Families are only eligible if they return a completed valid survey by the specified date.
3. Employees of the Smart Travel Centre Queensland and their families are not eligible to enter.
4. The first valid completed survey drawn from a box will win the accommodation.
5. The first class to return all distributed surveys to the school office will win the Class Lunch prize. A QT
Officer will liaise with the class teacher to arrange details.
6. The winners will be announced no later than November 2007 and the decision is final.
7. The winners will be notified by a Fitzgerald State School representative.
8. The prize voucher will be delivered within two weeks of the announcement.
9. Prize is valued at $152.00 and includes: One night's accommodation and continental breakfast at Club
Crocodile Airlie Beach for 2 adults and 2 children. The cost of the Subway lunch for a class of 30 children
is exclusive of this amount.
10. In the event that the prize winners are unable to be contacted, the prizes will be kept for three months. If the
prizes are not claimed within that period another winner will be drawn.
Printed on Recycled Paper
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Travel Log
Question 1: Please provide details for your travel to and from school for the week starting Monday 3 September 2007. Refer to the map on page 2 for approximate distances. Example for Question 1:
Chris lives approximately 3 kilometres from Fitzgerald State School. Chris walks 400 metres from home to
the nearest bus stop, and then catches a Mackay Transit Coaches bus which travels 2.6km to school. The
return journey is the same in reverse. The travel log entry for Monday reflects the journey to and from school:
CAR POOL:
Monday TO school
Monday FROM school
Your child is
CAR: Your child is a
passenger in your
motor vehicle.
PUBLIC
TRANSPORT:
MTC (school
bus)
1 Monday
Car
____km Car
____km
Car pool
____km Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km Cycle
____km
Public Transport
2.6 km
Public Transport
2.6 km
Walk
0.4 km
Walk
0.4 km
3.9.07 TO school
2
the passenger
in another
family's vehicle
or you give
other children,
as well as your
own, a lift to
school
Monday 3.9.07 FROM school
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
3 Tuesday
4.9.07 TO school
4Tuesday
4.9.07 FROM school
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
5
Wednesday 5.9.07 TO school
6
Wednesday 5.9.07 FROM school
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
7
Thursday 6.9.07 TO school
8
Thursday 6.9.07 FROM school
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
9
Friday 7.9.07 TO school
10
Friday 7.9.07 FROM school
Car
____km
Car
____km
Car pool
____km
Car pool
____km
Page 91 of 95
Cycle
____km
Cycle
____km
Public Transport
____km
Public Transport
____km
Walk
____km
Walk
____km
Page 92 of 95
Fitzgerald State School Family Travel Survey September 2007
Question 2:
Do you think it is a good idea for your school to help encourage families to minimise their car trips through TravelSmart? Question 5
What motivated your family/ your child the most to participate in the activity you selected in Question 4? (Please mark one box only) (Please mark one box only) Yes No
Environmental benefits A
Health benefits – Opportunity to exercise B
Unsure Learning new skills (i.e. cycle skills or road safety skills) Question 3:
Have you tried to minimise your car trips or utilise drop off/ pick up points near your school since the TravelSmart program commenced? C
Opportunity to spend time with friends and make new ones D
(Please mark one box only)
Opportunity for quality family time E
Concern about road safety around the school F
My childʹs desire to participate G
Yes General encouragement from the school, students or peers No
H
I have always walked/ cycled/ caught a bus or carpooled to and from school
Economic benefits (i.e. using less fuel and reduced vehicle maintenance) Question 4:
Which TravelSmart activity or tool, if any, helped you the most to minimise your car trips or utilise drop off/ pick up points? (Please mark one box only)
TravelSmart Class Challenge Rewards/ Incentives/ Prizes J
Other K
Unsure
TravelSmart to School days (Walk and Ride) I
Personal information
This information is strictly confidential. No data will be linked to you or disclosed to any third party, unless required to do so by law. The following information is important and will be used to— • Enter the prize draw • Analyse distances travelled Question 6
Bike safety checks What is the first initial and family name of your eldest child attending Fitzgerald State School? Cycle skills Family fun day Police talks about road safety Parent/ Carerʹs full name The Mackay TravelSmart Access Guide or other transport information Question 7
My child has never participated Our family has never heard Address Go to > Question 6
Go to Question 6
>
of this program xPostcode E‐Mail address Thank you for completing this survey.
Please return it to your eldest child's class
teacher before Wednesday 12 September 2007
Printed on Recycled Paper
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