A new rewards app has officially launched in Hull turning everyday walks, cycle rides, and public transport trips into high-street shopping vouchers and charitable donations.
Following a successful pilot with its own staff, the council is launching the BetterPoints app publicly.
BetterPoints is free to download, with residents able to earn daily points for travelling by more active and sustainable means as well as regular prizes, including a European City Break prize draw in September.
Anyone who lives, works or studies in Hull can download the app and start earning points every time they walk, cycle or take public transport locally.
Points act as a digital currency which can be redeemed for vouchers at high street shops, local independent businesses and online retailers, such as Costa, Tesco and Amazon.
Alternatively, they can be donated to a list of charities, including Marie Curie, the RNLI or Dogs Trust, as well as local charities such as WISHH, the Health Tree Foundation and The Deep.
The aim is to encourage people to become more active and consider healthier travel choices. By doing so, not only will they help their local community by reducing things like noise pollution and carbon emissions that are associated with motor vehicles, but they will also improve their health and wellbeing and save money.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “BetterPoints is a really simple idea – you can earn rewards or support charities just by walking, cycling or using public transport whether that be for work, leisure or for trips locally. Even changing one journey a week will earn you points.”
Jack Windle, chief sustainable transport officer at BetterPoints, said “We are thrilled to be supporting Hull City Council, who have already made great strides in their goal of reducing single-occupancy car journeys and encouraging greener and healthier travel habits.
“We look forward to rewarding Hull residents for making different travel choices and seeing the positive effect this has on the city.”
The public launch coincides with Modeshift Month, a UK-wide, month-long campaign promoting sustainable travel,and Catch The Bus Month.
For more information, visit hull.betterpoints.uk
Download the BetterPoints app from your regular app store.