Briton Ferry student wins green challenge

A student from Briton Ferry has been crowned winner of the Wales-wide Traveline Challenge.

Stephen Lodwig, a student at Neath Port Talbot College, was awarded his prize, a brand new iPad, by Traveline Cymru ambassador, Iolo Williams, who has been proactive in promoting the campaign.

Launched in March 2011, the Traveline Challenge aimed to get people to choose public transport over their cars, helping them to save money whilst also reducing their carbon footprint.

Stephen signed up for the Challenge at the College’s Freshers’ Fair in October and has stuck with his pledge to take the bus to college every day.

Stephen said: “I’m really pleased to have won an iPad for taking part in such a positive challenge. I have a bus pass and make sure that I use it as much as possible – the 15 minute journey will certainly fly now that I have my iPad to keep me occupied.”

The Traveline team visited a number of events including the Eisteddfod, Royal Welsh and Freshers’ Fairs to tell people about the Traveline Challenge and promote the new free Traveline Cymru app.

Iolo said: “Over the last nine months, myself and the Traveline Cymru team have travelled the length and breadth of Wales to encourage people to take up the challenge and we’re thrilled with the results. Over 4,500 people have taken part and hopefully this will make a positive impact on the country’s carbon foot print.”

Jo Foxall, Marketing Manager for Traveline Cymru, said: “The challenge aimed to convince travellers in Wales to make small changes to their everyday journeys which will in turn make a big difference to the environment, Welsh roads and their pockets. We hope that we have succeeded in making people to think more carefully about the way they travel.”

More information about how to take advantage of public transport in Wales is available on www.traveline-cymru.info, Facebook, and Twitter.