Transport Links: How can we improve to support our staff

Beginning with Northern Rail’s updated train service and the push for the area to become a designated tourism zone, local PMs understand the importance of good public transport. With a vast amount of land to cover, improved transport links can lead to more employment opportunities, with staff able to travel to new locations and reach a larger number of businesses. This is key for rural businesses who have many employees that rely on public transport.

However, there are still transport challenges rural businesses face, the Department of Transport’s proposed scheme could prevent young employees from travelling at night and working unsociable hours. This policy proposes that newly-qualified drivers within a certain time period of passing their test, a time yet to be determined, won’t be permitted to drive at night. This comes after figures suggest that one in five drivers are involved in a crash within a year of passing their test. Additionally, the system could feature restrictions such as a minimum learning period and not driving with passengers under a certain age.  

So, what you can do to support your staff?

Know what’s happening in your area. If you’re concerned about issues on the road, keep up to date with travel news in your area. Set up alerts on your phone’s news app to know about any changes in public transport links. This way, you can inform your staff to any changes to their route and find an alternate way to get them home safely.

Consider flexible timetables. Offer flexible timetables where you can for staff that depend on public transport. By doing this, you can ensure your employees can get to work on time and they can arrange to work hours that suit their needs.

Suggest Carpooling. Are a number of your staff from the same town? Why not set up a carpooling program and encourage staff to save on petrol, avoid public transport troubles, and build a better relationship with one another - it’s more sustainable and will improve their team working abilities.

A Cycle to Work Program. For employees that live within a short distance, adopting a cycle to work scheme can encourage exercise, decrease emissions and lower fuel/ticket costs. This allows staff to get some fresh air before work and is proven to increase productivity.

Supporting staff with the transport challenges they face is important for employee satisfaction and safety; it not only improves their time working with you but also your customer's time visiting.