Rotorua encourages sustainable transport on World Car Free Day

Bus-goers were happily munching on bacon butties this morning as the city supported World Car Free Day.

The barbecue, manned by The Hits, was stationed at the Arawa St bus stops for those using sustainable transport.

The Bay Of Plenty Regional Council and Rotorua Lakes Council were also giving out little goodies.

Rotorua Cityride buses are also free from 4pm to the end of service.

Rotorua Lakes Council sustainable journeys co-ordinator Rachel Doelman said World Car Free Day is an international celebration, which is actually on September 22, but since it fell on a Saturday was brought forward here.

It encourages people to ditch their cars for a day and try a sustainable mode of transport such as biking, busing or walking.

"It's important for the environment of course and cars are quite hard on the infrastructure.

"If we can cut down on the number of cars on the road it makes it cheaper to maintain the roads, and there's less traffic."

She said today they were also going to be giving goody bags to local businesses which had supported the initiative.

Rotorua's Pam Asplin said she walked to work everyday - rain, hail or shine.

"I just personally really enjoy the walk and the beautiful environment.

"It gets you in a great head space and somewhat feeling like you're doing exercise, and the less cars the better, I think.

"I think people are missing out on their beautiful environment by driving."

Rotorua's Karyn McCready said she rode the bus a lot, but could not catch it after work every day because she finished too late.

"I have a car but I like to walk home after work for exercise."

She said having a Car Free Day was a great initiative to reduce the number of vehicles on local roads.

Carpooling or taking the bus was a good way for people to help do something great for the environment, she said.

"It's better than having more cars on the road, as long as the bus works in with you and your timetable."