BAA has upgraded its successful Heathrow Commuter carshare scheme, the largest in Europe. The scheme now has the facility to link Heathrow workers with thousands of people who live near their homes, and offers the ability to pick and mix different partners on different days of the week, depending on shift patterns. It is now even flexible enough to set up new partners if a staff member needs to work late.
Almost three out of four airport staff drive to work at Heathrow every day, clocking up a total of 45,000 car trips. The Heathrow Commuter carshare scheme aims to improve air quality and reduce congestion around the airport, whilst saving staff money. The carshare scheme has been in existence since 2002 and already more than 2,500 people from 100 different companies regularly use the service and are saving money getting into work. The revamped scheme was launched on June 9, National Liftshare Day, with a roadshow in the staff canteen area of Terminal 5. More than 130 people signed up on the first day.
As well as saving cash on car journeys, staff will also save money by getting discounted breakdown cover, priority parking bays in BAA managed car parks and if an emergency does take place, an urgent ride home facility is provided free of charge. All Heathrow Commuter carshare users are security cleared.
Heathrow’s surface access strategy manager, Theo Panayi, said: “The new scheme is available to all workers at Heathrow, no matter what company they work for, and what shift patterns they operate. We hope that the increased flexibility of the new scheme will encourage thousands more users to sign up to what is already an industry leading programme.”
Further roadshows have now been set up in other Terminals. Staff are encouraged to visit the team at these times, where they can ask questions about the scheme and receive a free gift:
Terminal 3 staff restaurant – 25 June 2009 between 08.00 and 14.00
Terminal 4 staff restaurant – 03 July 2009 between 08.00 – midday
Roadshows will also be arranged for Terminals 1 and 2, the Compass Centre, and the staff restaurants in the cargo and engineering areas.
Staff that can’t make it at these times need not worry. All details about the scheme and a cost saving calculator are available online at www.heathrowairport.com/carshare, alternatively, staff can call 08700 11 11 99 for more details. If carsharing isn’t suitable, more sustainable transport options to get to work are available at www.heathrowairport.com/commuter
