New travel app rewards people for walking, cycling and using public transport to 'support healthier habits'
A new app is set to reward people for cycling, walking and using public transport across West Yorkshire.
BetterPoints lets users earn points that can be exchanged for vouchers to spend at a range of retailers or donated to local charities.
Users can also earn tickets to enter prize draws to win a range of prizes.
The scheme has been funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority for a pilot as part of a push to encourage people to make a shift from cars to healthier modes of transport.
WYCA hopes the app will be used by 10 per cent of the adult population of West Yorkshire, and lead to “a 25 per cent increase in the number of journeys being made on foot, by bike or using public transport amongst app users.”
The Authority hopes the rewards will help support the local economy.
Major brands that have signed up to the scheme include Ikea, Starbucks, Argos, Greggs and Costa, but it small independent businesses are encouraged to get involved too.
Jack Windle, Chief Sustainable Transport Officer at BetterPoints said: “Active travel is one of the simplest ways to improve population health, but it needs to feel accessible and worthwhile.
“BetterPoints helps remove barriers by rewarding everyday journeys and supporting healthier habits while connecting people with local businesses and charities.”
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.
Users can earn one BetterPoint for every minute they run, ride, walk or wheel within West Yorkshire, up to 30 minutes every day.
They earn 15 points for every bus, tram or train journey they make over a quarter of a mile within West Yorkshire, up to two journeys per day.