Smart Commute – Community based travel program
Smart Commute programs support residents and businesses to try transit, carpool, cycle or walk, 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.
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.
Smart Commute 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.
How to Smart Commute
To find commuting options that could work for you, visit SmartCommute.ca
If your workplace is in York Region and interested in learning about the Smart Commute program, please contact your nearest Smart Commute office below.
Smart Commute Central York - service area includes Towns of Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina Newmarket, Whitchurch-Stouffville and Township of King.
Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill - service area includes the Cities of Markham and Richmond Hill
Smart Commute North Toronto, Vaughan - service area includes the City of Vaughan
Events
Smart Commute Month
September is Smart Commute Month and it’s time to rethink how we commute and try alternate ways of getting to work. When working on-site, consider carpooling or taking transit; walking or riding your bike when you are working remotely is a great way to get in activity.
Whether working remotely, hybrid or on-site, and whatever travel mode you choose; we want to hear from you!
Smart Commute Month Survey and Contest
Complete a short survey, take a pledge and try to start using a more sustainable mode of transportation during the month of September and enter to win, one of five $100 e-gift cards!
To enter the contest, complete the annual travel survey:
- All surveys entered between September 1, 2023, and September 30, 2023, are eligible
- Only one entry, per participant
- Each respective Smart Commute office reserves the right to distribute prizes, subject to change without notice
View contest rules and regulations
Smart Commute Month Webinar Series and Contest
Join a Smart Commute-hosted webinar to learn more about sustainable transportation, and enter to win, one of five $25 e-gift cards.
The Future of Ontario Transit – Thursday, September 14, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
A Beginner’s Look at Biking to Work – Tuesday, September 19, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Better Commuting with Smart Commute – Thursday, September 21, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Benefits Beyond the Destination – Tuesday, September 26, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Electric Vehicles and the Transition in the North - Thursday, September 28, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Visit SmartCommute.ca for webinar registration details.
June 2024 - Bike Month
York Region and Smart Commute invite you to check back in May 2024 for more information and events happening for Bike Month, June 2024.
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 including:
- 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 telecommuiting, 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 used 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.
