There are a variety of research and advocacy groups that work to reduce car use and instill sustainable transport options based in Melbourne. Academic research groups include the Australasian Centre for the Governance and Management of Urban Transport (GAMUT) at the University of Melbourne.

There are also consultancy and sustainable transport activities organised by such groups as the The Institute for Sensible Transport and Bicycle Victoria. In addition, there are many campaigns calling for more, improved sustainable transport options. These include campaigns run by Environment Victoria and by the Public Transport Users Association.

Other gradations towards transport sustainability include car pooling and sharing services. Car pooling refers to the collection of other passengers in your own car to drive to similar destinations rather than driving alone. This can be organised individually with people in your own neighbourhood or at your work place. Car sharing, on the other hand, is when you join a group to book a car that you can borrow for a certain time. In Melbourne, there are two prominent car sharing organisations, Flexicar and GoGet. Visit their websites for more information.

Perhaps you’ve used these services or know of more? What was your experience like? How do you think better and broader sustainable transport initiatives could be achieved? Please feel free to pursue this conversation on SustainableMelbourne.com.