Modeshift Corporate Premium Member BetterPoints has launched in West Yorkshire to encourage people to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport more often.
Funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority as a pilot, the BetterPoints app is free to download, and scheme is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds or Wakefield.
BetterPoints West Yorkshire aims to make healthier and lower-carbon travel choices feel more accessible and rewarding. It also helps keep economic and social value within local communities by directing spend and donations locally.
The West Yorkshire pilot builds on the success of BetterPoints programmes already running across the UK, including in Sheffield and York. Previous schemes have achieved large-scale behaviour change, increased walking and cycling, and delivered measurable benefits for local businesses and voluntary sector organisations.
Using the BetterPoints app, participants earn points for everyday active and sustainable journeys. Points can be redeemed for high-street vouchers, spent with participating local businesses, or donated to local charities.
Alongside encouraging behaviour change, the programme will generate valuable insights into how people travel across the region. Aggregated and anonymised data from the app will support evidence-based decision-making and contribute to wider transport, health and climate objectives.
Local businesses and charities are invited to get involved as reward partners. By joining the programme, organisations can increase visibility, attract new customers and receive community support through donations made with BetterPoints rewards.
Jack Windle, Chief Sustainable Transport Officer at BetterPoints, said:
‘Walking and other sustainable modes can play a massive part in helping to deal with some of the big problems we face across transport, health and climate agendas. We’re really excited to be scaling our approach with this ambitious new pilot. Everyone in West Yorkshire is invited and we would love to hear from organisations across the region who want to get involved.’
The BetterPoints app is free to download from the App Store and Google Play. Once registered, users can start earning points automatically for eligible journeys.
Organisations interested in partnering with BetterPoints West Yorkshire can get in touch via the app or find out more online at: westyorks.betterpoints.uk
