Smart Commute Arrives in Halton Hills

On May 3, 2011, Smart Commute Halton officially welcomed the Town of Halton Hills into the Smart Commute family of organizations and businesses committed to encouraging more sustainable travel options.

Smart Commute is a joint venture between Metrolinx and area municipalities. It is a transportation demand management program focused on reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, providing more sustainable travel options and reducing commuting costs. At present, more than 170 employers, with a total of 355,000 employees, have joined Smart Commute. Members of the public can also access free Smart Commute services, especially the Carpool Zone – an online ride-matching service: www.smartcommute.ca

Speaking about the Town’s participation in Smart Commute, Mayor Bonnette said: “Our participation in Smart Commute is yet another practical example of the Town’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and Green Plan implementation. Through Smart Commute, we are helping our employees take advantage of more environmentally-responsible commuting options, reduce their carbon footprint and reduce commuting costs. The Town of Halton Hills has always been an environmental leader. This program is just a continuation of our efforts.”

Alicia Jakaitis, Program Manager for Smart Commute Halton, commented: “We have all experienced the stress and frustration facing commuters in the Greater Toronto Area. When environmental leaders like the Town of Halton Hills partner with Smart Commute, they demonstrate the proactive role that employers can take to make commuting easier for their employees.”

In welcoming Halton Hills to the Smart Commute family, Smart Commute Halton hosted a staff engagement event on May 3rd to recognize the Town’s commitment to reducing congestion, being an environmental leader, and to increase awareness of the program. The event featured an official presentation of one of the Town’s new dedicated carpool parking signs by Smart Commute Halton to Mayor Bonnette. In addition, to highlight carpooling as a ‘green’ commuting option, one of the parking spaces was temporarily converted into a ‘park’.

Participation in Smart Commute helps implement recommendations of the Town’s Green Plan. For example, Recommendation #66 of the Green Plan calls on the Town to work with other proactive organizations to improve the environment. Participation in Smart Commute is one way of implementing this recommendation. The Green Plan also references the need to address greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Reducing the number of single occupancy vehicle trips taken by Town staff by providing sustainable transportation options through Smart Commute is one means of achieving this.

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