It is an even better deal to ditch the car

May 12 2007 By Daniel Thomson, The Journal

A travelcard aimed at getting people to leave their cars at home when they go to work was launched yesterday by Go For Jobs campaigners fighting to improve the region's transport network.

The award-winning campaign, jointly led by The Journal and the North-East Chamber of Commerce, has created the discount travelcard to increase the use of public transport and reduce traffic levels on Tyne and Wear.

The North-East Chamber of Commerce and Metro operators Nexus teamed up to deliver the savings of more than £315 on the average Metrosaver ticket and - practically every bus service in Tyne and Wear. The travelcard can be bought by anyone working for one of the North-East Chamber of Commerce's 2,000 member companies.

And Tyne Bridge MP David Clelland is singing its praises to Roads Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman.

The Go For Jobs campaign was launched in November 2005 after the Highways Agency blocked a large number of developments around the region over fears they would slow traffic on the A1 and A19.

As a result of the campaign, more than £1bn-worth of projects capable of creating 12,000 jobs have been approved.

At yesterday's launch, NECC chief executive James Ramsbotham [correct] said: "The Go For Jobs travelcard is going to be something that really does make a difference to the North-East.

"The main area affected by the Highways Agency is the Team Valley - the largest business park in the UK. In the last 20 years it has trebled in size, but the road network has changed not one iota.

"We are becoming victims of our own success. The Go For Jobs travelcard is another way to tackle it and to get people to think about how they travel in and around the region."

Mr Clelland said: "This will be one of the things I raise next Tuesday with the Roads Minister as there is a need for improvement in the road infrastructure."

To sign up for a Go For Jobs travelcard contact Rebekah Gaze on (0191) 386-1133.