Smart Commute – Community based travel program

The image of Smart commute

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.

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:

For information about customized programs, please view the York Region Smart Commute brochure.

Winter Commute Month 2026
Commute Together Through Any Weather!

February is Winter Commute Month, and Smart Commute is inviting residents and workplaces in York Region to take part in a simple challenge that supports more sustainable travel.

Winter Commute Month encourages people to try different ways of getting around during the winter months. Whether you walk, take transit, carpool, work remotely, cycle when conditions allow, or combine travel modes, every eligible trip logged helps reduce congestion, supports cleaner air, and tracks the collective impact of small changes over time.

Participation is easy, flexible, and open to anyone looking to make their commute count.

How it works
Throughout February, participants can log eligible commuting trips using the Smart Commute tool at smartcommute.ca

  • Eligible trips include walking, public transit, carpooling, cycling, telework, or multi-modal trips
  • Up to two (2) trips per day can be logged

As a bonus to making a positive impact on the environment, participants are entered for a chance to win one of five (5) $100 e-gift cards.

Winter Commute Month Events

Smart Commute is offering free webinars throughout February to provide practical information and tools that support sustainable commuting:

Discover Smart Commute: A Sustainable Commuting Initiative
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Register
 

Winter Cycling
Wednesday, February 11, 2026,
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Register


Know Before You Go with Municipal 511: Keep Winter Commute Safe
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Register

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.