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.
![The image of Smart commute The image of Smart commute](/sites/default/files/images/SmartCommute_WebBanner_0.jpg)
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
To learn more about our customized programs, please view the York Region Smart Commute brochure.
Upcoming Events
York Region and Smart Commute invite you to gear up for Bike Month in June! Bike Month is a celebration of all things cycling and your encouraged to get active outside by bike! Throughout the Region, there are cycling routes to help you to your destination whether for recreation or commuting.
Smart Commute Bike Month Contest
Start Bike Month off on Saturday June 1, 2024, log all your cycling trips during the month of June at SmartCommute.ca (app or desktop) for a chance to WIN one of five $100 e-gift cards! Also, visit BikeMonth.ca to find events and activities in York Region for another chance to WIN!
Bike Day in Newmarket!
Saturday, June 1, 2024 - 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Drop into Smart Commute Central York’s, Bike Day at Central York Chamber of Commerce, 470 Davis Dr, in Newmarket for refreshments, family activities, contest and new for 2024 – a bike parade at 11a.m.! Come say hello to York Region’s Public Works team.
Destination Bike – Welcoming Cyclists in York Region
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Interested in bicycle tourism or have a bicycle-friendly business you want to promote? Ontario By Bike is hosting a webinar about the growing cycle tourism market and how your company can get certified as bicycle friendly.
Bike to Work Day in Richmond Hill
Thursday, June 6, 2024 - 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 includes a light breakfast, refreshments, cycling maps and local bike ride!
Markham Cycling Day
Sunday, June 9, 2024 - 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ready, set go! The City of Markham is hosting the always popular Markham Cycling Day at Markham Centre (10 Aviva Way, Markham) featuring Tour de Markham group rides in 12 kilometre (family-friendly), 30 kilometre and 60 kilometre distance to explore Markham. The Children’s Race for 3 to 10 year olds is a fun and friendly event. Markham Cycles will have a community bike booth offering quick tune-ups and safety checks before the ride. Sponsored by York Region
Register
Basic Bike Maintenance
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Let us show you the basics of how to maintain your bike. Topics include: safety checks, assessing air pressure and flat tires, tightening
your brakes, lubing your chain, and ensuring your bike is the right fit!
Bike to School Week
May 27 to May 31, 2024
Students get rolling! York Region in partnership with the York Region District School Board, York Catholic District School Board and local municipalities invites families, students and schools to participate in Bike to School Week from May 27 to May 31, 2024. Check out BikeMonth.ca for more details.
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.