PEOPLE across south Essex are being encouraged to use public transport throughout December as part of a festive travel challenge, as well as being in with the chance of winning £250.

The festive travel challenge, which launched today, gives residents from Basildon, Southend, and Thurrock, the opportunity to win a £250 prize for completing just one journey on a bus or train which they would have normally travelled by car.

The challenge, from travel campaign ForwardMotion, encourages residents to think about the way they travel to work, university, college or job interviews throughout December.

To take part, residents swap one journey they would have made by car, for one made by bus or train.

They then need to use the hashtag #FestiveTravel to be entered into the prize draw.

Alternatively, residents can inform ForwardMotion they’ve taken part in the challenge by sending an email to hello@forwardmotionsouthessex.co.uk

The campaign will feature on buses across the south Essex region, throughout December.

Speaking at the unveiling of the buses at First Hadleigh, Simon La Roche, at South Essex Active Travel, said: “We’re encouraging people to take part in our travel challenge throughout December, so that they can experience some of the many benefits which public transport can bring.

“If you find the festive period is busy and stressful, then taking the bus or the train to work or college can give you the perfect opportunity to take some time for yourself and indulge in a film or listen to some of your favourite music.

"If you’re keen to save money, then swapping the car for public transport could cost you a fraction of the price.

"And, not forgetting, taking part in our challenge will mean you’re in with a chance of winning a £250 prize.”

It is hoped that the challenge will also help address the increased levels of pollution and congestion associated with an increase in the number of cars on the road.

Dan Worley, operations manager at First Hadleigh, said: “We fully support ForwardMotion’s Festive Travel challenge, encouraging people to leave the car at home and use public transport throughout December. "Advertisements have been fitted to several buses promoting the challenge and we hope many people give it a try and support the initiative.

“The festive period can be a particularly busy time for our town centres, with people heading into town to purchase gifts or meet up with family and friends.

"If people try to make just one journey by public transport, there could be a big benefit for the people of south Essex.

"More people using public transport will reduce the levels of congestion and also contribute towards lowering emissions over the festive period.

The easy way to find out about local buses is to download the First Bus app.”

To help people trial a journey using public transport, ForwardMotion’s trained travel advisers will be on hand throughout December, ready to provide information on the quickest routes, advise on tickets for bus and rail services, and provide ideas about how to get the most out of your journey.

Contact hello@forwardmotionsouthessex.co.uk or call 01702 212727.