Being 'TravelSmart' means thinking about how you get from A to B. When it comes to your bank balance, your health and our environment, it makes sense to use the car less. We all have some car trips that could easily be replaced with travel alternatives.

Walk or cycle
There are many trips where we don't have to drive, where going on foot or bicycle is a good alternative.

A survey in South Perth found that about half of all car trips were 5 km or less, 8% were 1 km or less and some were over just a few hundred metres. This shows that walking or cycling is possible for many of the trips we make by car - such as going to a shop to buy a newspaper or getting the kids to school.

The Heart Foundation recommends people do about 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. By travelling on foot or bike for some trips you can get that exercise. You could try cycling to work or to visit friends. The network of paths is growing and many roads offer a safe and convenient route.

Use public transport
Public transport can be a quick and convenient option for many trips, yet only 6% of all trips are made this way. Further research in Perth shows that public transport could be used for up to an additional 18% of trips.

You might be surprised if you compare the total costs of driving with taking public transport to work. Instead of being stuck in traffic try the bus, train or ferry. You could sit back and read or gaze out the window, save on car running and parking costs and avoid the hassles of driving.