Smart Commute – Community based travel program
Smart Commute programs support residents and businesses to try transit, carpooling, cycling or walking, as a more sustainable way to get around York Region. The aim is to reduce traffic impacts, lower emissions, and improve air quality while helping commuters save time and money.
Celebrate Bike Month this June
Bike Month is back, making June the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, stay active and explore the many cycling routes across York Region. Whether you prefer scenic trails, dedicated bike lanes or quiet neighbourhood paths, there are plenty of ways to ride on your own or with friends and family.
Throughout June, log your bicycle journey/commute as a ‘trip’ on the smartcommute.ca app for a chance to WIN a $100 e-gift card. View contest rules and regulations.
Events
Bike Day in the Town of Newmarket
Saturday, June 6, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Drop into Smart Commute Central York’s Bike Day at AOK Park next to the Newmarket Farmers’ Market, in the Town of Newmarket for refreshments, family activities, contest and a bike parade at 10:30 a.m.!
Bike to Work Day in the City of Richmond Hill/Markham
Wednesday, June 10, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Join Smart Commute Markham Richmond Hill for Bike to Work Day outside the WSP offices, 150 Commerce Valley Drive West, Thornhill. The ride is at 8:30 a.m. and includes a light breakfast, refreshments, cycling maps and a local bike ride!
Bike Bonanza in the City of Vaughan
Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join the City of Vaughan, TRCA, pointA (Smart Commute Vaughan) and the Thornhill Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Program for Bike Bonanza at Garnet A. Williams Community Centre. Celebrate Bike Month with guided 5 kilometre and 10 kilometre bike rides, safety briefings, free e-bike and e-scooter test drives, bike-themed crafts, active transportation education and raffle prizes This free drop-in event is open to all ages. Pre-registration is encouraged for the guided bike rides and participants are reminded to bring their own bicycle and wear a helmet.
Markham Cycling Day in the City of Markham
Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ready, set go! The City of Markham is hosting Markham Cycling Day at Main Street Unionville featuring rides for both adults and children. Markham Cycles will have a community bike booth offering quick tune-ups and safety checks before the ride. This event is sponsored by York Region.
Bike Month Lunch and Learn Webinars
Register for a lunchtime cycling themed webinar on Thursdays throughout June:
- Get Ready to Cycle: Gear, Technique, and Bike Maintenance
Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 12 to 1 p.m. - The Present and Future of Cycling in Toronto
Thursday, June 4, 2026 from 12 to 1 p.m. - Equity-Based Active Transportation Research and Experience
Thursday, June 11, 2026 from 12 to 1 p.m. - More than Good Enough – Exploring Public Secure Bike Parking Solutions
Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 12 to 1 p.m. - Ontario By Bike (Bike Tourism)
Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 12 from 1 p.m.
For more information, visit smartcommute.ca
Smart Commute in York Region
Smart Commute is a community-based program supported by York Region, in partnership with the Cities of Markham, Richmond Hill and the Town of Newmarket, that works with employers in York Region and the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area with carpooling support, workplace-led training, engagement events and customized commuter projects.
If your workplace is in York Region and interested in learning about the Smart Commute program, please contact the Smart Commute office in your area:
- Smart Commute Central York
Servicing the Towns of Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Newmarket, Whitchurch-Stouffville and Township of King - Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill
Servicing the City of Markham and Richmond Hill - Smart Commute North Toronto, Vaughan
Servicing the City of Vaughan
For information about customized programs, please view the York Region Smart Commute brochure.
Initiatives
Getting to Work
Smart Commute offers employers:
- Site assessments and surveys to understand employee commute behaviour
- Customized action plans to encourage employees to explore and try out smart travel options
- Tools to facilitate change include:
- Exclusive carpool ride-matching programs
- Emergency Ride Home programs
- Discounted transit pass programs
- Telework programs and flexible work arrangements
- Walking and cycling programs
- Fun events and promotions
Community Initiatives
Smart Commute partners with Transportation Demand Management (TDM) stakeholders across the Region to support transportation initiatives and sustainable land use. In York Region, this includes focusing on community-based programs aimed at:
- Promoting active and sustainable transportation infrastructure and connections to mobility hubs
- Shifting travel behaviour away from single occupancy vehicles
- Encouraging active and sustainable school travel
Travel Options
- Carpooling allows you to feel even more satisfied with your commute by sharing a ride with coworkers and spending less on gas!
- Transit takes you for a ride, sit back and relax with music or enjoy a book
- Cycling is a flexible mode of transportation but also carries many health benefits
- Walking is a great chance to step outdoors and enjoy the weather
- Flexible Work Arrangements or telecommuting, where offered, can reduce a trip to the office and allow for signing-in or meeting remotely to get the job done
- Emergency Ride Home is offered to Smart Commute member workplaces when it’s needed most - if you use a sustainable method of commuting to work and have an unforeseen emergency
Emergency Ride Home
As an employee at a participating Smart Commute workplace, you are eligible for Emergency Ride Home (ERH) reimbursement. If you have an unforeseen emergency on any day you use a sustainable method to commute to work, you can request reimbursement of up to $75 for your emergency transportation costs. Ensure you retain all emergency transportation receipt(s).
For more information, please contact your local Smart Commute office.
Trip Planning Resources
Transit
Ridesharing
Active Transportation
Smart Commute Offices
Webinars
Safe Winter Driving & Vehicle Preparedness
Be ready for the winter! Join the Ministry of Transportation Ontario for a presentation on how to stay safe on the roads this winter. Learn essential tips for winter driving and how to prepare your vehicle for cold-weather conditions.
Micromobility Devices
New devices and new challenges – too fast and furious? Hear from police representatives as they discuss the use and regulation of micromobility devices. This panel includes presentations from Greater Sudbury Police Service, London Police Service, and York Regional Police and a Q&A segment to address your questions.
Mid-day Movement: Rethink Your Routine
Looking to get more active in your daily routine? Tune in for a panel discussion with Public Health experts from Public Health Sudbury and Districts, Grey Bruce Public Health, and Middlesex-London Health Unit. Each panelist will share insights on how to incorporate movement into your day and its importance, followed by a live Q&A session.
