Introduction from Councillor Kate Dean

The vision of NESTRANS – the North East of Scotland Transport Partnership – is To deliver a Modern Transport System for the North East of Scotland which enables a more economically competitive, sustainable and socially inclusive society. Improving Travel Awareness is a part of implementing this vision.

Through Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce and the Travel Plan Coordinators of Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils, NESTRANS is working with employers and other organisations in the north east to help improve transport choices for employees, customers, visitors and students alike.

NESTRANS and its partners are not anti-car – cars help many of us enjoy more varied lifestyles, work and recreational opportunities than previous generations have had. Indeed cars are essential for many, particularly in rural areas. However, with continued strong growth in car use - often with only a single occupant - it is impossible to foresee any realistic rate of road building and improvement which would avoid major traffic congestion and parking problems in the future. All of us are also threatened by global warming. None of us can solve this alone, but all can contribute to reducing carbon emissions and congestion on our roads.

The NESTRANS Travel Awareness programme aims to encourage us all to think about how and why we travel (whether for work, school or leisure activities). We need to consider using other means of transport (bus, cycling or walking) whenever appropriate or to look for opportunities to share our car journeys.

I am delighted to introduce NESTRANScarshare.com – a car sharing website especially for North East Scotland. As well as helping you to find potential travelling companions and share your travel costs it also has links to a wealth of travel information. NESTRANScarshare.com is connected to the National liftshare network so it can be used to find a journey match anywhere in the UK. I am sure that you will find it helpful and wish you happy and safe journeys.

Councillor Kate Dean
Chair of NESTRANS