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Affected by the YRT/Viva strike?
Try alternative commuting options!
- biking
- carpooling
- walking
- working from home
- transit routes not affected by the strike
Want to try carpooling but don't know anyone?
Visit www.carpoolzone.ca, Smart Commute's free ride matching website to find fellow commuters today!
Since news of the strike Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill has seen a 26% increase in registrants!
For updates on service disruption visit www.yrt.ca or call the YRT Customer Service Centre at 1-866-MOVE-YRT (668-3978). |
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Winners of the Smart Commute Week Challenge!
Wendy Fung (Philips) with Basil Marcello (Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill)
Congratulations to 3 workplace employees who won prizes by taking the Smart Commute Week Challenge!
Wendy Fung of Philips Electronics Canada was the lucky winner of the grand prize: a trip for two on VIA rail to Ottawa for Winterlude with two nights of accommodation! Wendy carpools to work in the morning and uses public transit (YRT and TTC) to return home. She is a true local Smart Commute hero!
Matthew Lee of GENIVAR was the recipient of a $100 Cadillac Fairview gift card. Matt's an enthusiastic Smart Commute ambassador who actively engages his colleagues in the Program. David Strome of York Central Hospital won a $100 Petro Canada gas card. David not only plans his commuting to and from the hospital, but saves $350 per month through carpooling, car sharing, and public transit!
The contest (September 19 to 25) had participants log their commutes through Carpoolzone.ca. Smart Commute Week encourages commuters to try sustainable modes of transportation.
Flo McLellan (Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill) with David Strome (York Central Hospital)
Matt Lee (GENIVAR) with Wincy Tsang and Basil Marcello (Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill) |
York Regional Police join
Smart Commute Program!
York Regional Police (YRP) were officially welcomed into the Smart Commute program. Deputy Chief Thomas Carrique made the announcement at a launch event held at YRP's new silver LEED certified Central Services Building in Aurora on Oct 20. Smart Commute's role in promoting sustainable modes of commuting is directly in line with YRP's commitment to embracing green initiatives.
Three Smart Commute offices ( Central York, Markham, Richmond Hill and North Toronto, Vaughan) will work together to deliver the program across all YRP locations to the force's approximately 2,000 employees. YRP looks forward to helping their employees find different options to save money and reduce stress on their daily commutes, while reducing their carbon footprint.
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LEA Consulting launches
Smart Commute Program!
LEA Consulting held a kick off breakfast this October to tell employees how Smart Commute can help reduce the cost, stress and environmental impact of their daily trip to and from work, as well as a hands-on Carpoolzone.ca session to help employees create an account to find potential carpoolers.
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YRT/Viva and Smart Commute team up at
York Central Hospital
YRT/Viva representatives were at York Central Hospital to distribute fee waived PRESTO cards to transit riders this past month. Riders learned about the new transit fare card and registered their card as Smart Commute provided tips on getting to work by combining transit and carpooling. Go to www.prestocard.ca for more. |
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Cole Engineering Wellness Fair
Cole Engineering held a Wellness Fair on October 13th for employees to learn from and consult with various health care and wellness professionals. Our team was there, promoting how sustainable transportation can positively affect one's quality of life. Employees discussed active transportation options such as cycling and signed up on Cole Engineering's Carpoolzone.ca web page to find a carpool match.
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Smart Commute at MMM Group October events
MMM Group held their 2nd annual charity car rally benefiting the United Way of York Region. Several clues to the rally were about Smart Commute and the answers could be found on our Get Smart flyer and eco-friendly hanger on display.
Try a clue!
What are two types of self propelled commuting? _ _ _ _ & _ _ _ _
(see below)
We also got active with our partners at MMM at their 17th annual Bike and Hike to Your Roots event. Participants explored the Etobicoke Creek hiking trail and cycling system and the City's active transportation plans for the future. Basil rode the Smart Commute e-bike and Flo hiked the trail!
Clue answer: Bike & Walk |
Is your commute painful?
IBM has released the results of its annual commuter pain survey. Twenty cities with the worst commuting experiences are ranked and Toronto places 16th. Various factors including time stuck in traffic, stress and anger caused by traffic and people deciding not to make a trip due to traffic were considered. Read more. |
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What is Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill?
Smart Commute is a not-for-profit sustainability initiative of the municipalities of Markham and Richmond Hill, York Region and Metrolinx. We help local employers and commuters, like you, explore different commute choices like carpooling, cycling and transit. Our goal is to ease gridlock, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while making your commute less expensive and more enjoyable.
Your savings! In just five years, Carpool Zone users in the GTA have saved over ten million dollars and prevented 24,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions; the equivalent of about 9 million bricks! |
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