Transportation Demand Management

The MyTrip program is designed to help residents make informed choices that will improve their travel, making it easier to get around York Region. There are many options – carpooling, public transit, cycling, walking, telecommuting – that can make commuting more enjoyable, more cost effective and less impactful on the environment.

MyTrip is being delivered by York Region as a residential Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program available to eligible new and growing communities in York Region. Through this program we are hoping to encourage more sustainable travel options for you and your family.

What's going on at MyTrip?

The MyTrip program team has completed outreaches at 20 buildings throughout York Region. Over 1,000 household have completed the initial travel survey and received a travel incentive to help them explore more sustainable travel options such as taking public transit, walking, cycling, and carpooling.

With many options available – carpooling, public transit, cycling, walking, telecommuting – the choice is yours! York Region, local municipalities, transportation agencies and local employers have been working to make these options possible alternatives to driving single-occupant vehicles. Join the growing movement of York Region residents who are exploring alternative and better ways to commute.

Plan your trip

Explore your trip options on the ​​​​​Smart Commute Website.

For more information on available travel modes in York Region, see below:

Public Transit

Taking Transit within, to, and from York Region can be an easy way to get between major destinations, without the stress of driving and having to worry about parking at your destination.

Transit in the Region includes York Region Transit (YRT) bus service including  VIVA rapid transit service and GO Transit trains and buses.

YRT

Triplinx

GO Transit

Walking and Cycling

Walking and cycling are great ways to travel shorter distances in York Region, and come with added benefit of being able to integrate physical activity into your daily routine.

York Region's growing network of connected sidewalks, cycling lanes and multi-use trails provide a safe and reliable way to get to where you need to go.

York Region Cycling Maps

Bike and Bus

Integrate your cycling and transit trips. Bike racks are provided on all YRT buses and are available on a first come, first serve basis. The racks are easy to use for people of all ages and abilities. Alternatively, many major bus stops have bike racks where you can confidently secure your bike until you return.

YRT Bike 'n' Bus

Bike and Train

Cycling to the GO station can be fast, easy, and fun. Selct GO stations include secure bike shelters to ensure your ride is safetly stored and ready for you when you return.

Bike to GO Maps

Bus and Subway or Bike and Subway

Travelling by subway? Your bike can be parked by the door for easy access.

TTC Bike and Ride

Carpooling

Carpooling is a great way to share the costs and burden of commuting. York Region and Smart Commute have teamed up to offer a ride-matching service to help you find your carpooling partner.

Smart Commute Online Planning Tool

About Smart Commute

Smart Commute is a program of the municipalities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. As a community-based program it is supported by York Region in partnership with the City of Markham, City of Richmond Hill, City of Vaughan and Town of Newmarket. The Smart Commute program helps and supports residents, employers and their employees getting from A to B by exploring and encouraging transportation options such as walking, cycling, transit, carpooling and teleworking (work from home). The aim is to reduce traffic impacts while helping commuters save time and money.

Smart Commute includes a number of services and programs such as marketing, carpooling support, workplace led training, engagement events and customized commuter projects.

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

Get Involved!

If your workplace is located in York Region and is interested in learning more about membership in the program, please contact your nearest Smart Commute office below. Within York Region, the Smart Commute workplace travel program is delivered by three Transportation Management Associations (TMAs):

• Smart Commute Central York, service area includes Newmarket, Aurora, Whitchurch-Stouffville, East Gwillimbury, King and Georgina
• Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill, service area includes Markham and Richmond Hill
• Smart Commute North Toronto Vaughan, service area includes Vaughan

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

Events

Smart Commute workplaces join in events and campaigns throughout the year aimed at encouraging sustainable commuting habits. Check your local Smart Commute office for what’s upcoming, including:

• Carpool Week in February highlights finding your ride match and sharing a ride! Whether once a week or more, employee efforts are recognized
• Bike Month kick-off is in late May and celebrated in the month of June with bicycle-theme and cycling activities through the GTHA
• Smart Commute Month in September promotes sustainable travel options with a campaign to think about how you get around with an annual survey

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.