HUNDREDS of families living in Cradley Heath and Blackheath are being offered free expert travel advice to get them to swap their cars for alternative transport.

Transport authority Centro is providing free personal packs for homes along parts of the busy No. 4 bus route as part of the Smart Network project which aims to reduce congestion and carbon emissions.

Over the next five months, up to 5,000 households along the route will be visited by expert travel advisers to help those wanting to make the switch to public transport, car-sharing, walking or cycling.

Expert advisers will be on the streets on Saturday, May 5 in Blackheath and Cradley Heath to draw up bespoke travel packs for local residents.

Rachel Evans, Centro’s education and community team leader, said: “Helping people to make more informed decisions about the travel options which are available to them can have a positive impact on their lives.

“We have already invested into improving infrastructure in this area to reduce the congestion that can sometimes occur and bespoke travel advice can support this."

Centro will be holding an exhibition on April 24 at Cradley Heath High Street between 12pm and 6pm to give residents the chance to find out more about the project.

In addition to tailored travel packs, the advisers will provide support including free public transport tickets, adult cycle training and local community guides.

Nick Bubalo, Sandwell’s director of regeneration, said: “This scheme is an excellent way of telling residents about the benefits of public transport. Expert advice from Centro could not only help residents find new and cost effective ways of travelling, but cut congestion on major routes in Sandwell.”

For more information about the new project visit www.mynetwork.org.uk.