Partners
Smart Commute Toronto-Central is proud to profile our partners and their dedication to sustainable transportation. Every workplace presents a unique set of factors that requires careful study, analysis and consultation before a customized commuter plan can be developed. Highlighted below are the main elements of each partner's Smart Commute plan:
University Health Network
Partner since: 2009
Health and environmental well-being underpin the efforts underway at UHN to encourage employees to choose sustainable transportation. A shuttle, available free to staff, services UHN's three hospitals with plans to explore added peak-time service from Union Station. Employees can also join UHN's exclusive Carpool Zone designed to match staff with others looking to share a ride. A priority carpool parking program further encourages commuters to rideshare. Other features include: secured bike parking, shower facilities and alternative work arrangements. Employee engagement also plays a central role at UHN; the company has an advisory committee and website dedicated to cycling, and over 650 staff participated in last year's Clean Air Commute. In 2009, UHN received the Smart Commute 'Employer of the Year' Award for its excellence in providing healthy transportation choices.
City of Toronto
Partner since: 2005
The City of Toronto has embarked on an ambitious trip reduction plan designed to shift staff into more sustainable modes of commuting. A facilities crunch was the thrust behind the Smart Commute program that now services over 25,000 staff across 400 worksites. Every year, the City of Toronto extends over $700,000 in savings to staff by participating in the TTC Volume Incentive program, while benefiting even further from reduced maintenance costs associated with parking. An employee bike share gives staff free access to a bike fleet for business trips while Carpool Zone facilitates ridematching. Fun events like the Clean Air Commute and Carpool n' Win also create workplace excitement and generate awareness of the health and environmental benefits of reducing automobile use.
Toronto Broadcast Centre
Partner since: 2009
The CBC has partnered with Smart Commute Toronto - Central to gain a marketing edge. This spring, CBC plans to host a series of events ranging from on-site bike clinics to CAN-BIKE Cycling Safety Workshops and the Smart Commute Expo. The CBC's Bicycle User Group is a perennial supporter of the Bike to Work day event. Future initiatives include the introduction of an Emergency Ride Home program to 'insure' employees who have committed to active commuting and therefore do not have a car at work.
Liberty Village BIA
Partner since: 2009
Liberty Village is a unique business park of 500 employers and 6,000 employees. This, combined with its location in downtown Toronto, means that parking is scarce. A Carpool Zone subgroup for B.I.A. employees has proved to be effective in matching riders and easing congestion. The TTC Volume Incentive Program has also encouraged hundreds of employee to take transit. Next steps include exploring the feasibility for a mobility hub, advocating for improved GO Transit service and grant funding for secured bike parking facilities.
Manulife Financial
Partner since: 2008
The Manulife Financial Smart Commute Program provides employee benefits to over 3,000 staff at two offices. Manulife hosts an exclusive Carpool Zone, which allows employees to share the costs associated with driving that would otherwise be borne alone. A special workshop was delivered at Manulife to promote the features and benefits of carpooling, accompanied by on-site promotions, resulted in an impressive uptake of new Carpool Zone users. In fact, in 2009 alone, staff at Manulife eliminated 250 vehicle trips, helping to save an estimated 4,500 kgs of smog from entering the air.
Queen's Quay Terminal
Partner since: 2007
Queen's Quay Terminal encompasses a specialty retail centre with over 30 shops, restaurants and cafes, combined with multi-tenant office space. Parking space is limited for both employees and customers. Working with the property manager, Smart Commute has introduced a ridematching service for staff. Lunch n' Learn events have also raised awareness for alternative commuting options and bike lockers are being considered to accommodate cyclists.
Exhibition Place
Partner since: 2009
Under its GREEN Smart Plan, Exhibition Place has adopted an action plan, developed by Smart Commute, to address employee transportation choices. Key elements include a Carpool Zone subgroup, priority carpool parking and participation in events like Clean Air Commute and Bike to Work Day. Exhibition Place is also developing an employee rewards program, which will offer rewards for employees committed to reducing their transportation footprint.
Yellow Pages Group
Partner since: 2009
Servicing the Milner Office in Scarborough, Smart Commute has launched a promotional campaign to build awareness for the company's Carpool Zone.
McCarthy Tétrault
Partner since: 2008
A prominent business law and litigation firm, McCarthy Tétrault is committed to promoting sustainable transportation within its workplace. To this end, the company has recently conducted a commuter survey, and hosts a Carpool Zone subgroup, plus regular promotions to encourage staff to 'green' their commute.
Ontario Power Authority
Partner since: 2010
Smart Commute has recently concluded a commuter survey to better understand the transportation dynamics facing OPA employees. A work plan is now being developed.