Green travel pilot launched via app
Visitors to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are being encouraged to consider more sustainable modes of transport with a new trial Journey Planner app.
As part of Scotland’s Climate Week (September 13 to 19), the national park authority launched a ‘beta’ version of the app to help day trippers access information on travel options more easily and to encourage them to use public transport and cycling where practical.
Visitors can also use the app to check and compare the carbon impacts of different modes of travel.
While it is recognised that not all areas of the national park can currently be reached by public transport, there are alternatives to car travel for some of the most popular parts of the park.
By encouraging visitors to leave the car at home, the national park authority hopes to reduce the pressure on already busy roads and car parks and encourage more climatefriendly travel to and within the park.
The pilot will also be used to gather feedback and data on the demand for more transport services, to inform longer term planning on sustainable travel.
Head of visitor services at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Kenny Auld said: “Sustainable transport is vital for tackling the climate emergency and we are developing a programme of measures to make it easier to travel to and within the National Park in a climate-friendly way. This includes electric vehicles for our rangers, an electric boat for patrolling Loch Lomond and e-bikes for our volunteers.
“While some parts of the National Park are more remote than others, there are many destinations that are accessible by sustainable transport options.
“Using trains, buses, bikes and even walking to make up your journey brings multiple benefits, including physical and mental health benefits and often, a more enjoyable journey.
“Car parks in our busiest locations fill up early and congestion on our roads is a problem for visitors and communities alike. We are also witnessing the impacts of the global climate emergency within the National Park and opting for sustainable transport options is a positive step we can all take towards reducing emissions.”
The app was developed in partnership with Tactran and funded by Transport Scotland.