Liftshare leads to saving of millions of pounds

"It is great that so many businesses in our region are making sustainable transport a reality by giving employees the option of sharing their journeys to and from work" - Mark Ryder

Millions of pounds have been saved by employees at three major companies in Coventry and Warwickshire after signing up to a car-sharing scheme.

Leading car-sharing scheme provider Liftshare works with over 700 organisations across the UK including the University of Warwick, Stoneleigh Park and National Grid in Coventry and Warwickshire.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) Transport and Infrastructure Business Group heard that Liftshare runs the most successful regional car-sharing scheme in the country in the West Midlands.

Sixty-one per cent of staff at Wolseley in Coventry have joined the scheme which in the first two years has led to £200,000 in savings in employee parking costs while savings of one hundred tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions will be made this year.

At National Grid in Warwick, eight million miles has been saved by staff travelling to and from work together which has led to savings in travel costs of £810,000.

Mark Ryder, chair of the CWLEP Transport and Infrastructure Business Group and Strategic Director, Communities, at Warwickshire County Council, said there were multiple benefits to employers and employees joining Liftshare.

He said: “The research highlights that not only does this scheme save employees money and combats single occupancy cars, it cuts carbon emissions and congestion at peak times on the roads.

“It is great that so many businesses in our region are making sustainable transport a reality by giving employees the option of sharing their journeys to and from work which is also helping the environment by reducing carbon emissions.

“The savings that have been achieved in terms of cost are huge and the scheme has certainly proved successful with our staff at Warwickshire County Council.”

George Beacock, Client Engagement Manager at Liftshare, said this was a great opportunity for businesses to invest in sustainable travel and incentives.

He said:“We’re very proud of our relationship with Coventry City Council and Warwickshire Country Council. One of the quickest and easiest ways that local authorities can help ease congestion and air pollution in their areas is to engage local businesses in sustainable travel initiatives, and this is evident around Coventry and Warwickshire with the incredible savings that have been achieved.

“What is great for businesses is that all of the savings and data are available to view in a dashboard, so companies can actually see the difference that they are making and the savings to their staff. The reporting can help with calculating your carbon savings throughout the year.”