With the rising cost of fuel, more local commuters are turning to SESTran's Tripshare scheme as an alternative way of getting to the office on time.

Launched in 2006, the initiative aims to partner individuals with others making a similar morning and evening journey.

For Falkirk Council employees Angus Duncan and Mandy Brown, car sharing has been such a success that the pair, who commute from South
Lanarkshire and West Lothian to Bainsford, have bought an environmentally friendly vehicle to share the journey.

They have been car pooling for 19 months and recently purchased a Citroen C1 for the commute.

Angus said: "It is a very simple process. My colleague now drives from her home to mine every morning at an agreed time and we leave for Falkirk together.

"To further improve our environmental credentials, we decided to reduce our carbon footprint by purchasing one of the lowest emission and fuel efficient petrol vehicles on the market, which has encouraged our car sharing efforts."

Falkirk's Tripshare scheme was created to help people quickly and easily find someone to share specific journeys with.

There are around 230 people registered locally and car users save on average £792.40 per year.

In total there are 4000 people taking part in the scheme, which works in partnership with six local authorities.

So far members have saved an estimated 1,100,000 journey miles and £110,000 through car sharing, and prevented around 400 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

The service is free and easy to use, members simply store their details securely online.

Women can specify female-only travel companions and all commuters can select preferences such as non-smokers.

Companies and organis-ations can also create corporate tripshare groups for employees.

SEStran chairman Councillor Russell Imrie said: "The scheme is tapping into a public mood that is increasingly concerned with addressing environmental issues and finding sustainable solutions to transportation issues.

"More and more people are realising that car sharing offers real benefits. It's a practical way for commuters to make a real contribution towards cutting pollution and reducing traffic congestion."

It's not just car users that benefit. Tripshare also runs a taxi sharing scheme and WalkBUDi and BikeBUDi systems.

Available to anyone over the age of 16, the walk and bike initiatives were created to encourage those concerned about walking or cycling alone to give it a go in a group or pair. It gives individuals the chance to share information on safe and convenient routes and bike security.

School children have also been getting on board by buddying up for the council's walk to school campaign.

Walk to School Week takes place every May and October and this year saw around 30 local schools take part.

Other initiatives include the Walk Once a Week scheme, where school children are rewarded with collectible enamel badges.