Report on Canadian Alternative Transportation Programs

Transcription

1 Report on Canadian Alternative Transportation Programs FINAL February 2005 Analysis and Planning Division Transportation Systems Branch Environment Canada

2 Report on Canadian Alternative Transportation Programs February 2005 FINAL Prepared by: Association for Commuter Transportation of Canada (ACT Canada) For: Environment Canada Contracting Authority: Don Stewart Chief, Analysis and Planning Division Transportation Systems Branch Environment Canada 10th Floor, 351 St. Joseph Blvd. Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0H3 Departmental Authority: Sharon Philpott Analysis and Planning Division Transportation Systems Branch Environment Canada 351 St. Joseph Blvd., 10th floor Hull, Quebec K1A 0H3

3 Disclaimer This report has had a limited technical review by Environment Canada. Its content does not necessarily reflect the views and policies of Environment Canada. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement for use. Any questions or requests for additional information should be directed to: Sharon Philpott Analysis and Planning Division Transportation Systems Branch Environment Canada 351 St. Joseph Blvd., 10th floor Hull, Quebec K1A 0H3 Disclaimer This report contains information which has been prepared for, but not approved by, the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). CCME is committed to reflect the highest standards of research and analysis in its publications. Since CCME itself does not conduct research or author reports, it is not responsible for the accuracy of the data contained in this report and does not warrant, or necessarily share or affirm, in any way, any opinions expressed therein.

4 Acknowledgements The Association for Commuter Transportation of Canada (ACT Canada) wishes to acknowledge, with sincere thanks, the information supplied and assistance of all participants in this national effort to gather information on current alternative transportation programs and initiatives in Canada. Your enthusiasm and interest in this project was significant and appreciated. Without your active participation this project would not have been possible. Thank you to Environment Canada for providing direction and guidance throughout the project duration and to program managers at Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada and Transport Canada for your valuable input.

5 Executive Summary This document is the result of a research effort conducted to report on existing alternative transportation programs and initiatives in Canada. It is being submitted for consideration to the federal/provincial/territorial Joint Action Implementation Coordinating Committee (JAICC), which is coordinating initiatives towards achieving the Canada-Wide Standards on Particulate Matter and Ground-level Ozone. More specifically, the purpose of the report is to present information on Canadian alternative transportation programs, initiatives and support services that encourage methods of commuting that reduce vehicle kilometers traveled and promote alternative transportation to the single occupant vehicle. This report serves to support the reduction of particulate matter and groundlevel ozone by making Canadians more aware of specific alternative commute programs, enabling them to become involved in the programs or to draw upon them for information and ideas. The intended audiences for the report are employers that could potentially implement an alternative transportation program in their workplace, alternative transportation delivery agents, and for all levels of government. The summaries and profiles included in this report will build a greater understanding and awareness of current programs and initiatives and help to assist in priority setting and decision making. Often called commuter options programs or trip reductions programs, the alternative transportation program has far reaching environmental, economic, social and community benefits. Reduced emissions and greater transportation efficiency lead to improved quality of life, health and sustainability of the transportation system. Chapters One and Two of this report introduces and describes the benefits of alternative transportation programs, initiatives and supporting services. Chapter Three details specific organizations offering alternative transportation programs and initiatives based on the following categories: Employer programs and initiatives Youth programs and initiatives Institutional programs and initiatives Community programs and initiatives Transportation Management Association (TMA) programs and initiatives Support programs, services and initiatives Events or Activities From the research, it was found that organizations implement alternative transportation programs because of a commitment to; environmental responsibility, improving air quality, offering employee benefits, GHG reductions and corporate leadership. Based on the research undertaken, salient observations and resulting recommendations are as follows: Page i

6 Observations Alternative transportation programs and incentives are primarily offered by organizations that embrace a vision and understanding of the benefits of promoting sustainable transportation and wish to demonstrate corporate and community leadership through the promotion of these benefits. In general, there are three primary circumstances for offering an alternative transportation program. They are as follows: Large urban centres experiencing transportation-related problems such as congestion, air pollution or infrastructure capacity constraints. An alternative transportation program can service to mitigate or minimize these issues. Growing urban areas that are starting to recognize that such issues will develop if they are not proactively addressed. An alternative transportation program helps to avoid these issues coming to fruition, and The relatively stable or smaller community that simply understands the benefits of alternative transportation and is encouraging and promoting commuter options, often with an active commuting focus, to improve the quality of life for its citizens. An alternative transportation program will vary according to location and audience. In general, the ideal program will provide information, resources and tools on each commuter option, often under an alternative transportation program. The provision of a full menu or suite of options provides the commuter with a range of choices through which to make an informed decision. Focusing on one or more elements will be determined by the corporate culture or specific need of each audience. Convenient accessible transit service is vital for it to be a true commuter choice option. A very successful program in terms of behavior change is the introduction of the U-Pass program at institutions to increase transit ridership. This dynamic method of encouraging transit use is generally highly successful due to the deep discounts and large numbers of people with access to the program. Telework offers the opportunity of eliminating the commute. The encouragement of this workplace option should be investigated in terms of its benefits to the employer and employee. Ridematching is a key marketing tool employed by many organizations and helps to raise awareness and acceptance of carpooling or vanpooling. Active transportation promotion serves to improve the health of Canadians and improves the quality of life for all citizens through the building of improved pedestrian and cycling routes and corridors. The most successful alternative transportation service providers are those with the greatest financial resource levels. Without financial resources program delivery agents (municipal, local, transit authority or NGO) struggle to keep their programs operational. Their communication strategies would reach a greater level of success if a higher level government also raised the visibility of commuter options. Programs that are funded by government at either the initial stages of development or throughout the programs have experienced greater success and have brought about the intended behavioral change necessary in the long term. Funding needs to be sustainable for an alternative transportation program to thrive. Similar to transit systems, ongoing, sustained funding is necessary for program delivery, expansion and community acceptance. Page ii

7 The penetration rate of alternative transportation programs at the employer level is in its infancy with only a small number of employers active in promoting comprehensive alternative transportation/commuter options in their workplace or organization. There are a large number of employers, institutions and governments that have adopted some elements of an alternative transportation program. They are the minority when considering the number of businesses in Canada, and should be commended for their proactive initiatives. The promotion of commuter options is often embedded in other programs or outreach initiatives that serve to reinforce, balance and substantiate alternative transportation promotion. The Canada Moves program promotes active heart healthy living and encourages active transportation, a component of which is active transportation to work. The livability of a healthy city, through smart growth strategies also has embedded commuter options messaging. One such example is the community design principles that encourage walking to the neighbourhood store and locating such businesses within the residential community. Alternative transportation programs aimed at youth are growing in popularity and are strongly supported, and well-received, primarily from a health and active transportation standpoint. Recommendations Recognize that alternative transportation programs and incentives are applicable to all Canadian communities. Provide resources, allowing each community to deliver an alternative transportation program to meet their specific needs. Improve transit services to employer locations in major urban areas through the availability of payroll deducted transit passes, offering tax exempt transit passes, offering discounted transit passes in lieu of employer provided parking, and improved service in congested areas. Increase available sustainable funding opportunities for alternative transportation programming in the delivery of commuter options, allowing each community to determine the delivery agent. Ongoing, sustained resources are necessary for alternative transportation programs to grow and evolve in Canada. Further investigate the provincial model of alternative transportation programming. Build partnerships to maximize resource opportunities. Partnerships are an indicator of success and need to be explored further. Build on successes and recognize efforts. If an organization is offering even one element of an alternative transportation program, use that element as the way in the door. Once an organization buys in to even one program element or incentive they may be more receptive to developing more inclusive alternative transportation programs. Leverage all opportunities to engage employers. Build partnerships. Use complimentary outreach programs to further the alternative transportation message. Work with provincial and local government to investigate the increased use of by laws or site plan agreements to engage employers and land owners. Recognize demonstrated corporate community responsibility and leadership. Maximize youth outreach efforts to increase awareness, knowledge and understanding of the benefits of sustainable transportation. Page iii

8 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION What is TDM and Why is it Important Goals What is an Alternative Transportation Program Alternative transportation program benefits Environmental, community, social and economic benefits Employer and employee benefits Local and national benefits Alternative transportation development in Canada Existing alternative transportation resources in Canada Programming guides: Funding programs: Supporting organizations: OVERVIEW OF ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM DELIVERY Description of types of programs Support programs Alternative transportation options and support services Ridesharing Emergency Ride Home Transit Active transportation Alternative work arrangements Automobile use Parking management Local business travel Supporting measures Financial measures Promotional measures Administrative measures Funding mechanisms

9 PROGRAMS, INITIATIVES AND SUPPORT Research Methodology Online survey Contact list Data collection process Employer Programs and Initiatives Overview Summary of employer programs in Canada Location analysis Summary by employer type Program element description Profiles of employer programs Youth Programs and Initiatives Overview Summary of programs in Canada By province Profiles of youth programs Institutional Programs and Initiatives Overview Summary of programs in Canada Program element description U-PASS Other key elements of the alternative transportation program Other key elements of the alternative transportation program Profiles of institutional programs Community Programs and Initiatives Overview Summary of programs in Canada Program element description Profiles of community-based programs TMA Programs and Initiatives Overview Summary of TMA programs in Canada TMAs by province/city TMAs Program element description Profiles of TMA programs Support Programs, Services or Initiatives Overview Supporting programs to include drivers

10 Ridematching services Vanpool providers Carsharing Active transportation support Telework support Advocacy groups Events or Activities Overview Commuter Challenge Clean Air Day and Canadian Environment Week International Walk to School Week Walk to School Day Bike to Work Week/Month Clean Air Commute Car Free Day Commuter surveys Awards Transportation fairs OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS RESOURCES AND CONTACTS Program development Active transportation Public transit Ridesharing Carsharing Teleworking Associations Transportation management associations Other resources Federal resources Organization List

11 Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION This chapter defines what an alternative transportation program is, how it fits into the broader Transportation Demand Management (TDM) field and why it provides an important benefit to Canada s environment, economy and society as a whole. A lternative transportation programs describe a collection of initiatives and strategies that work to change transportation behaviour, primarily to shift single occupant vehicle drivers away from driving alone to other modes of transportation. This is achieved through walking, cycling, transit use, carpooling and vanpooling, typically for peak period weekday travel to and from work or school, or as in the case of teleworking, not requiring transportation at all. Alternative transportation programs, through their use, helps to reduce vehicle kilometers traveled, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gases. What is TDM and Why is it Important Transportation demand management (TDM) is the integrated approach to transportation planning that focuses on improving the efficiency of the existing transportation infrastructure and increasing the sustainability of the network through the management of transportation demand and modal integration. Using a multimodal approach, successful TDM strategies increase transportation sustainability and mitigate the need for longer term transportation infrastructure improvements for single occupant vehicles, resulting in substantial cost savings. TDM effectively supports and addresses many of the long range goals of local, regional, provincial and federal governments. TDM supports infrastructure elements or systems, such as dedicated transit right-of-ways, high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, road pricing (toll roads), intelligent transportation systems (ITS), and modal integration hubs (terminals, park and rides, etc.). It also supports the policies and tools that result in a sustainable transportation system such as land use planning, parking policies, sustainable site design and focused programs that seek to maximize the livability of a community through encouraging behavior change. Chapter 1 Introduction Page 1-1

12 Chapter 1 Integrating a comprehensive series of TDM strategies into land use and transportation planning has proven to influence commuter choice and provide economic, environmental, community and social benefits to all concerned. Alternative transportation programs are a subset of transportation demand management (TDM) consisting of the programs, services, tools, resources, policies and products that enhance, promote and encourage commuter options, reduced traffic congestion, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improvement in air quality and enhanced mobility through offering a more balanced and equitable transportation system. Commuter options or alternative transportation program strategies strive to minimize the impacts associated with travel by reducing the number of people driving alone through the development and promotion of carpooling, transit, cycling, walking and teleworking. Goals Goals for transportation demand management programs include, but are not limited to, the following: To provide sustainable transportation options to all Canadian citizens To reduce, defer or sometimes eliminate the need for additional single occupant vehicle based transportation infrastructure, such as roads and parking lots by maximizing the use of existing transportation facilities through; Smart Growth strategies support for increased public transit integration and investments multimodal integration and support of intermodal connections To reduce or slow the rate of growth of traffic congestion and delays resulting in congestion cost savings. To reduce or slow the rate of growth of environmental impacts by decreasing transportation emissions, noise and energy use; promoting clean air reduction of climate change To improve public health through; improved air quality reduced GHG emissions increased physical activity To assist in developing sustainable communities. To provide improved mobility options and accessibility for citizens which supports: improved access to employment improved quality of life Chapter 1 Introduction Page 1-2

13 Chapter 1 What is an Alternative Transportation Program Alternative transportation programs, initiatives, or support services strive to shift single occupant vehicle drivers away from driving alone and to other modes, typically for peak period weekday travel to and from work or school. An alternative transportation program is also referred to as a commuter options program, or trip reduction program. The travel options, or commuter options, supported under an alternative transportation program include active transportation (walking, cycling, rollerblading, etc), ridesharing (carpooling or vanpooling), using public transit and telework. The intent of an alternative transportation program is to achieve one or more of the objectives listed below. Mode Choice: Commuters are encouraged to shift from travel by SOV to a mode with spare capacity or with less environmental and economic impact. If they are choosing to drive they are encouraged to adopt environmentally responsible driving practices (anti-idling, proper tire pressure, etc.). Time Choice: Encouraging commuters to travel just outside the existing peak demand timeframes. Location Choice: Trip reduction Reducing the number or length of trips (measured in vehicle-kilometers traveled (VKT)) (i.e., employee lives near work) Trip elimination Eliminating some or all trips by preventing the need for travel (i.e., telework) Route Choice: Trip chaining or trip planning to minimize short trips, leverage carpooling or vanpooling in order to encourage efficient travel. The technology associated with route choice is often linked with intelligent transportation systems. The following graph illustrates the objectives of an alternative transportation program. (Source: ) Chapter 1 Introduction Page 1-3

14 Chapter 1 Alternative Transportation Program Alternative transportation programs vary significantly according to the unique program delivery agent, the specific goals of the program, the regional location and on available funding. There is no right or wrong alternative transportation program. While all have common or similar elements, each unique combination of incentives, services, tools, resources, program delivery messaging and style results in an alternative transportation program that suits the needs of its target population. All are taking the proactive position of rendering alternative transportation a ubiquitous part of Canadian society. Alternative transportation program benefits The benefits of alternative transportation programs are far-reaching and stand to provide the impetus for behaviour change that will impact future generations. From the global environment to the local neighbourhood, the workplace, school or individual, the benefits are significant. Chapter 1 Introduction Page 1-4

15 Chapter 1 Environmental, community, social and economic benefits There are many benefits to the adoption and implementation of an alternative transportation program. The following is a list of benefits: Environmental and economic benefits reduced tailpipe emissions mitigating air pollution impacts reduced climate change reduced pollution of surface water from fuels and road salts reduced ecosystem disruption and destruction of natural habitats for new/expanded roads and parking reduced resource consumption reduced congestion/ increased transportation system efficiency Community and social benefits reduced impacts from traffic including noise and congestion maintained/reduced travel time in urban areas improved access to employment and other destinations increased safety reduced risk from motor vehicle deaths and injuries increased levels of physical activity and improved health increased quality of life by investing in bike lanes and additional greenspace. improved community living with more eyes on the street, and opportunities for social contact and neighbourhood cohesion. Employer and employee benefits Both individuals and corporations can benefit from an alternative transportation program, through: increased employee productivity, retention and satisfaction demonstrated corporate leadership reduced costs for providing parking reduced costs for office space potential for increased service hours without hiring additional employees more flexible working hours reduced congestion costs for businesses Local and national benefits Governments and the public at large all benefit when alternative transportation programs work to manage commuter travel demand through the following: maintained or reduced expenditures on required parking infrastructure reduced expenditures on roads and associated costs (policing, maintenance, emergency response) development of new industries in mobility and telecommunications progress toward Kyoto Protocol targets for reduced greenhouse gas emissions improved health/reduced health care costs Chapter 1 Introduction Page 1-5

16 Chapter 1 Alternative transportation development in Canada Alternative transportation programs are evolving rapidly in Canada, and are almost exclusively based on voluntary participation. Both institutions and commuters are encouraged to become involved, generally through a number of incentives often called carrots provided by local governments or non-profit associations. The application of disincentives or sticks, such as London s congestion charging scheme in the U.K., is extremely rare in Canada. The most commonly employed disincentive to driving is parking charges or road tolls. Federal departments, such as Transport Canada, Environment Canada, and Natural Resources Canada are providing leadership in development of the transportation demand management field. These departments have conducted a variety of research projects and developed a number of tools or programs for employers and local governments to use. They have provided funding to undertake TDM projects, pilots and programs. An example of a tool developed is Transport Canada s Commuter Options: The Complete Guide for Canadian Employers. Programs offered that support alternative transportation and promote vehicle efficiency are the Urban Transportation Showcase Program, Moving on Sustainable Transportation Program, Environment Canada s EcoAction and One Tonne Challenge programs and NRCan s Anti-Idling, Tire Inflation and Auto$mart initiatives. Not surprisingly, the provinces with the country s largest urban areas are the most involved in providing alternative transportation programs and services. British Columbia and Québec lead in direct or indirect involvement at the provincial level through funding, coordination and program delivery. TransLink in BC and Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) in QC have both become the voice for regional alternative transportation programming in their respective areas. While the Ontario provincial government is not directly involved in developing alternative transportation programs, municipalities and other organizations within Ontario have been working on and promoting alternative transportation measures for over a decade. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are rapidly growing their alternative transportation programming efforts through outreach initiatives by organizations and governments such as The City of Calgary and Resource Conservation Manitoba. In the eastern provinces, PEI, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador and northern territories, the focus of alternative transportation outreach or programming occurs largely within the areas of promoting youth initiatives or encouraging active transportation. In addition, many alternative transportation programs have been developed at the local level, and are currently in place in cities, such as Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, London, Toronto (and surrounding area), Peterborough, Ottawa, Waterloo, Montréal, Québec City and Halifax. Chapter 1 Introduction Page 1-6

17 Chapter 1 Existing alternative transportation resources in Canada The internet is a useful and practical resource for enabling immediate access to an extensive worldwide knowledge network on alternative transportation programming, services, and tools. More and more frequently, resource guides and information are being posted for free and immediate access for downloading. Programming guides, promotional samples, policy advice and general how to information is readily and easily available. Case studies of prevailing alternative Canadian transportation success stories are now posted on a wide variety of internet sites. In of this report profiles of Canadian programs will be included. Canadian resources for alternative transportation are available through programming guides, funding programs, supporting organizations and leading examples within the country. While some of the key resources in Canada are highlighted below, it is recognized that this list is not inclusive of every online alternative transportation resource in Canada. It is important to note that the online information network continues to evolve, grow and is an indispensable tool for the alternative transportation practitioner or organization. Each of the resources indicated below will offer links to other relevant sources of information, both within and outside of Canada. The following list of programming guides, funding programs and supporting organizations are also evolving into resource areas, highlighting current information on programs, events, program news, case studies of success stories and links to other relevant information sources. Programming guides: Transport Canada s Commuter Options: The Complete Guide for Employers - Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) Go Green Coordinator and Employee Educational Materials - Pollution Probe s S.M.A.R.T Movement: Saving Money and the Air by Reducing Trips Guide - Transport Canada s Information Network - Allégo Kit, Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) - Quebec Ministry of Transport Funding programs: There are many different funding models and opportunities in Canada. Municipal or regional outreach programs are generally funded through municipal funds. Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) are often funded through partnerships with local, regional, provincial or federal governments, NGOs, and the private sector. Private sector employer programs are commonly self-funded. All of Chapter 1 Introduction Page 1-7

18 Chapter 1 these groups may seek support, specific project funding or sustaining capital for their initiatives. While the single project funding sources often lead to new initiatives or pilot programs, the success of an alternative transportation program or initiative is dependent upon ongoing, sustaining funds. The key funding programs that are applicable to alternative transportation are: Moving on Sustainable Transportation (MOST) Urban Transportation Showcase Program Green Municipal Funds One-Tonne Challenge EcoAction Community Funding Program Infrastructure Canada Supporting organizations: Some of the larger alternative transportation supporting organizations in Canada are: TransLink Agence métropolitaine de transport (AMT) Resource Conservation Manitoba Ecology Action Centre (TRAX) www. trax.ca Better Environmentally Sustainable Transportation (B.E.S.T.) and Pollution Probe Go for Green Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) Canada Chapter 1 Introduction Page 1-8

19 Chapter 2 OVERVIEW OF ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM DELIVERY This chapter presents an overview and description of the types of alternative transportation programs and how they may be delivered to the various audience types. Description of types of programs Alternative transportation programs are as diverse and unique as the variety of employers, schools and institutions that deliver them. There is no standardized method of offering an alternative transportation program, but delivery is usually segmented by audience and/or geographic area. Audiences are typically employees, students, or the general community. Program delivery can also further be divided by geographic area, where economies of scale can be achieved amongst neighbouring businesses or institutions that group together and share resources. Alternative transportation programs for employers and employees Alternative transportation programs focused directly at employers and their employees are the most common, and concentrate on the work-home commute trips. The implementation of alternative transportation programs are often stimulated by issues such as congestion, lack of parking, air quality or GHG emission concerns or because of a desire to demonstrate community or corporate leadership. Chapter 2 Overview of Alternative Transportation Program Delivery Page 2-1

20 Chapter 2 The success of employers in shifting or eliminating trips is largely due to the availability of the alternatives, such as transit, that focus on serving commute trips. The ability of employers to provide improved trip-end facilities, like showers, lockers and preferential parking, is also helpful. Finally, employers have a captive audience, as well as built-in communications tools like , intranet sites, poster boards and centralized display areas with which to educate employees. The size and type of employers who encourage alternative transportation varies. While private organizations, public sector organizations and institutions all may provide transportation options, the programs offered by these different types of organizations tend to differ. For example, the economic profitability of a privatesector organization may impact upon the delivery of an internal alternative transportation program in times of cutbacks such programs may be the first to go, whereas a public sector organization may not be impacted by the business climate. Similarly, the introduction of new federal funding programs focused on sustainable transportation may lead to a surge of new initiatives and program growth opportunities in this field. Alternative transportation programs for students Efforts to manage the transportation demand of students vary by the age of students. Elementary school students are encouraged to participate in programs like Active and Safe Routes to School, while high school students have their own programming such as Off-ramp. Post-secondary students are targeted with yet another approach, one more similar to an employer-focused program but often with a focus on transit though such programs as the U-Pass. With U-Pass programs, students enrollment fees include the use of transit for the school year. The Active and Safe Routes to School program is the primary method of delivering alternative transportation programs to elementary school students. Programs such as these are delivered by a variety of stakeholders. Initiatives such as the walking (and cycling) school bus program have been developed, where parents volunteer to walk or cycle with a group of students to school. In addition to walking and cycling, school children and their parents are encouraged to use school buses, rideshare and refrain from idling cars in school loading zones. Alternative transportation programs for secondary school students are the leastdeveloped means of encouraging reduced automobile use. This likely stems from the age group of the target audience, and the social pressures to embrace the automobile as a rite of passage. Programs targeted at secondary school students work to address this cultural mind-set by combating attitudes toward transportation in a fun and creative way. As students graduate and attend post-secondary institutions, other pressures work to change students approach to transportation. With reduced financial capacity, Chapter 2 Overview of Alternative Transportation Program Delivery Page 2-2

21 Chapter 2 many of these commuters already find themselves accessing alternatives, but constrained parking capacity, particularly on urban campuses, leads to the need for shifting even more students away from driving alone. Environmental concerns are also a driving force on many campuses, leading to action to address air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, since many post-secondary institutions are also large employers, the employee component of the alternative transportation program is extremely important in reducing travel demand. Cluster approach to alternative transportation programs An alternative transportation program isn t necessarily restricted to an employer s worksite or to within the confines of a university campus or school. Where a cluster of organizations are all facing similar transportation issues, collaboration can help maximize the use of an alternative transportation program s resources. When companies and institutions do group together, they often form what is called a transportation management association (TMA). The TMA is usually a third-party organization, typically not-for-profit, who then delivers the program back to participating members. TMAs may also be called a transportation management organization (TMO) or a transportation management centre (TMC). Decentralization or multiple office locations can also make the delivery of an alternative transportation program a challenge, since each locale may have different needs. Program delivery can be more efficient with a core set of common elements that allows for flexibility tailored to each site. Encouraging commuters to travel just outside the existing peak period minimizes congestion impacts. Some dispersed employers or institutions, such as hospitals and schools, may group together as an industry to deliver alternative transportation programming. This is especially relevant when certain issues, such as shift work, play a significant role in all of the organizations. A common example of this is the staggered school start times that maximize bus use efficiency. Community-based alternative transportation programs Community-based alternative transportation programs exist where the entire community is the focus of the delivery organization. In some instances, this approach evolves where there is one leading outreach organization within a specific region and the one organization targets employers, institutions and the general community alike. These are comparable to a TMA, except that the area served is the entire community rather than a portion thereof. For example, Go Green Choices in Vancouver targets the employer-based community while the City of Ottawa s TravelWise program targets the community at-large. Chapter 2 Overview of Alternative Transportation Program Delivery Page 2-3

22 Chapter 2 Support programs Programs that support alternative transportation come from three distinct types of suppliers: Government Provided at the local, regional, provincial or federal level, governments and their agencies provide a wide range of services like implementation tools, incentives, disincentives, funding and support for alternative transportation program delivery by employers, schools and other organizations. Governments also provide the core transportation services, or infrastructure, that can alter supply to match long-term modal shift targets. Non-profit/non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) These groups provide similar services as governments, and often do so on behalf of the government. Non-profit agencies can also conduct politically based campaigns to change policies and transportation supply in favour of alternative modes. Private sector Various members of the private sector are involved in delivering alternative transportation programs from the planning stage to implementation and evaluation. Private firms also sponsor non-profits and governments in their effort to shift transportation behaviour. Alternative transportation options and support services Ridesharing Ridesharing involves two or more people who commute together in the same vehicle. This form of transportation best serves suburban areas and commuters who travel longer distances. Many alternative transportation programs encourage ridesharing by providing an automated system to help commuters find people with whom to share rides, as well as preferential parking spots for those who carpool or vanpool. Carpooling is an informal arrangement where people commute together in an automobile owned by a member of the carpool (usually the driver). Financial arrangements and/or sharing of driving responsibilities are made by the members of the pool. Vanpooling combines the door-to-door service of carpooling with the security and regularity of transit. This is a more formal arrangement where people commute together in a vehicle, usually a van, and usually owned by a third party. The driver(s) of the vehicle are members of the pool, and may pay a reduced rate or ride for free. Members of the vanpool pay a mandatory fee to cover costs, while the owner of the van could be the employer, the municipality, a TMA or a private company. In some cases, the employer will even subsidize the cost of the vanpool for employees, or pay to cover the cost of an empty seat until a new commuter can be found to fill it. Chapter 2 Overview of Alternative Transportation Program Delivery Page 2-4

23 Chapter 2 Emergency Ride Home An emergency ride home (ERH) or guaranteed ride home (GRH) program ensures that an individual who uses a commuter option, other than driving alone, is entitled to a free ride home, usually by taxi, vehicle rental or fleet vehicle. The purpose of an emergency ride home program is to take away the excuse of not using a sustainable commuter option for reasons such as What if my child is sick, or What if there s an emergency I have to attend to. An ERH program can be offered directly by the employer, through a TMA or community outreach initiative. Transit Every major city in Canada provides some form of public transit, and in large urban centres rapid transit can transport commuters to work or school faster than an automobile. Most transit companies operate on fixed routes, but are willing to make accommodations to suit commuters needs. Taking transit helps the commuter to save money, and minimizes the number of parking spaces required at the employment site or institution. Employers can make taking transit easier through programs that automatically deduct monthly pass fares from an employee s paycheque, by providing a transit subsidy, and by providing improved access to transit stops,route maps and schedules. Active transportation Active transportation is an umbrella term for all human-powered means of getting around, such as walking, cycling and inline skating. These methods of getting to work and school are considered seasonal by some, and are best used to replace short automobile trips. However, active transportation can be combined with transit to provide the benefits of physical activity to those who must travel longer distances. Providing the right trip-end facilities is essential for active commuters. Showers, lockers, bicycle parking (secure or covered) help employees or students to make the switch to walking/inline skating, jogging or cycling while maintaining the ability to be suitably dressed for the day. Alternative work arrangements Altering work arrangements can break down the rigid barriers of workplaces that make changing transportation habits difficult or impossible. These include telework (or working from home), flex hours and compressed work weeks. Telework occurs when an employee works from a remote location with the assistance of telecommunications technology, often at home, but also at a local telework centre or satellite office. This arrangement reduces or eliminates the commute, and can save the employer the overhead costs associated with housing full-time employees. With the reduced realestate expense, many employers will partially or fully cover the cost of telecommunications Chapter 2 Overview of Alternative Transportation Program Delivery Page 2-5

24 Chapter 2 equipment and furnishings for their employees. Telework can be a full-time option or a part-time option in positions where some face-to-face interaction is necessary. Many post-secondary institutions also offer distance learning which operates in a similar fashion. The emerging mobile workplace that technology is enabling through wireless connections and voice over IP protocols (VOIP) is rapidly growing the work from anywhere anytime trends that may lead to a radical workplace evolution over the coming decades, changing forever how we understand the term going to work. Flexible or flex hours allow employees to start and finish their day at any time within a preset range of working hours, without changing the total number of hours worked. For example, an employer that requires its employees to work from 9:00 to 5:00 might allow them to start at any time between 7:00 and 9:00, and then finish at the corresponding time between 3:00 and 5:00. This allows employees to avoid peak travel times and spread out commuter traffic over more hours of the day. A compressed work week allows an employee to work the same number of hours as a regular work week, but over a shorter amount of time. A typical compressed work week involves working four longer days to receive one half of a day off, which can then be combined over two weeks for a full day. Compressed work weeks encourage employees to shift their travel time outside of the peak hours, particularly in the morning, and to eliminate commute trips entirely. Both flex hours and compressed work weeks can benefit the employer by extending the service hours that a business provides to its customers without the need to hire additional employee or extend shifts into overtime. Automobile use Measures to reduce the environmental impacts of automobiles are often combined with alternative transportation programs for two reasons. Firstly, these initiatives allow everyone to get involved in the program, including single occupant vehicle drivers or those required to bring an automobile to work. Secondly, since many alternative transportation programs are concerned with reducing pollution and damage to the environment, efforts to make automobile use more efficient are complimentary. These can include anti-idling campaigns, tire pressure clinics, tips on fuel efficiency, and incentives for purchasing and using alternative-fueled vehicles. Parking management Parking is often cited as both a reason to drive, and a reason not to drive, to work. But parking management plays a critical role in encouraging commuters to change their transportation choices. By reducing the supply of parking, an organization Chapter 2 Overview of Alternative Transportation Program Delivery Page 2-6

25 Chapter 2 can automatically create a disincentive to driving, but must provide reasonable alternatives for commuters. Pricing parking is a major disincentive to drive. By charging a fee for commuters to park their vehicles, many will seek out other, less expensive options. Finally, as an added incentive for those who switch to ridesharing the best parking spots are often reserved for their exclusive use. In summary, effective parking management can be one of the most influential factors in mode choice. Local business travel Including business travel in an alternative transportation program is not common, but some organizations do include business travel as part of their overall programming. Employees who need to travel during the work day often choose their cars, or are encouraged to do so by their employer. Providing options for employees to travel on business, such as taxi chits, pre-paid transit fares, fleet vehicles, removes another barrier for employees who wish to change what mode of transportation they use for commuting. Some employers reduce their long (or short) business travel needs through the use of technology, actively encouraging teleconferences or videoconferences in place of face-to-face meetings. Supporting measures In additional to services and programs that encourage commuters to consider the various alternatives to driving alone, a series of supporting measures help the commuter to make the decision to switch in the first place. Alternative transportation programs may include any of the following: Financial measures Direct cash incentives and disincentives help employees and students consider the benefits of changing their transportation habits. These include allowing an employee to cash-out the value of his or her employer-provided parking spot, providing direct subsidies to the cost of a transit pass, and charging for automobile parking. Promotional measures Marketing campaigns are necessary to educate commuters and help them to rethink their transportation choices. Special events, such as the national Commuter Challenge, provide a fun opportunity to try getting to work by some other means, and also add a bit of social pressure to do so. Most alternative transportation programs link all of their promotional efforts with a brand name, such as Smart Commute, GreenCommute, On Board, TravelWise, Travel Smart, GoGreen Choices, Allégo, etc. that further helps to communicate messages about transportation choices. Chapter 2 Overview of Alternative Transportation Program Delivery Page 2-7

26 Chapter 2 Administrative measures With large employers and schools often come more complex organizational environments. By addressing barriers to alternative commuting through supportive policies, such as relaxed dress codes or flexible start times, administrative barriers can be reduced or removed. Securing the alternative transportation program in company policy ensures that the program is embedded in corporate culture and becomes just another offered benefit. Funding mechanisms Almost all programs consist of a partnership of one sort or another, involving the employer or school, local government and outside agencies. Some government funding is available, generally as start-up funding to establish an alternative transportation program or through project-specific initiatives. Governments also provide resources in-kind, either directly or through non-profit organizations, such as on-going assistance, special events and tools for program delivery. Some grant programs are available for alternative transportation programs from both senior levels of government and charitable sources. Again, these grants are targeted as seed funding or based on specific projects. Stable, consistent funding for alternative transportation programs from outside sources is rare, except in the case of transportation management associations that may collect regular membership dues to remain sustainable. Chapter 2 Overview of Alternative Transportation Program Delivery Page 2-8

27 Chapter 3 PROGRAMS, INITIATIVES AND SUPPORT This chapter summarizes the results of the comprehensive research efforts and cross- Canada survey of current Canadian programs, initiatives and support services that promote alternative transportation and thereby reduce vehicle kilometers traveled. Profiles of alternative transportation programs and initiatives are included to highlight Canadian experiences. Research Methodology A comprehensive and thorough research effort was undertaken to gather information and data on alternative transportation programs and initiatives in Canada. The primary research methodology was data collection through a detailed online survey. Secondary methods utilized consisted of extensive internet searches, literature reviews and targeted telephone contact. Online survey Complimenting the broader research efforts, a survey was developed by ACT Canada to capture and detail alternative transportation programs and contacts in Canada. The online survey was designed to incorporate the following key elements: ease of online completion ability to extract standardized results in a common format use of generic transportation terms to facilitate comparisons provision of open ended questions to add detailed information and project descriptions, where warranted allowance for multiple contacts within one organization state-of-the art skip logic to enable respondents to see only those sections applicable to their situation Page 3-1

28 Contact list An extensive list of contacts for alternative transportation programs and initiatives in Canada was developed by utilizing ACT Canada s network of knowledgeable TDM professionals and with assistance from Environment Canada. This contact list was further supplemented and developed through the use of internet searches and an outreach effort consisting of direct telephone or contact with known organizations and individuals requesting details on other contacts they might know of in Canada. An organization was included on the contact list if it met the criteria of actively encouraging, promoting or supporting alternative transportation or its supporting elements. In other words, an alternative transportation program element needed to be in place for the specific purpose of supporting alternative transportation. For example, an organization participating in a ridematching service is making an active decision to support alternative transportation. Conversely, an organization that has some of its employees using transit, but that does not actively encourage transit through programming, incentives or outreach, is not considered to be offering, supporting or promoting alternative transportation and was therefore not contacted to complete the survey. Data collection process An exhaustive and concentrated research effort was undertaken to ensure that all known organizations offering, supporting or active in alternative transportation programs, initiatives or support were aware of this project and encouraged to complete the online survey. In addition, internet and literature searches were used to source information and/or existing case studies on alternative transportation programs. A personalized was sent to each individual on the contact list. The included a hyperlink to the secure online survey. Follow-up s to non-respondents were sent at two different intervals. Other methods employed to reach Canadian organizations that might be offering alternative transportation programs included: Posting a notice of the survey on the international TDM list-serve that is part of the National TDM and Telework Clearinghouse ( The Clearinghouse is part of the National Center for Transit Research located at the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida. Posting a notice on the Go for Green Active Transportation (AT) Listserve. The forwarding of the ACT Canada survey notification along with a localized request by the local/regional Government TDM contact to complete the survey by the following organizations: The City of Calgary Town of Markham Region of Waterloo Regional Municipality of Halifax Page 3-2

29 The forwarding of the ACT Canada survey notification by the following organizations to their relevant members or contacts by: Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) Resource Conservation Manitoba (RCM) Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) Ecology Action Centre (TRAX) Pollution Probe Telephone and contact with each Provincial Union of Municipalities. Contact with organizations undertaking One Tonne Challenge projects. Extensive use of telephone and contact to obtain information and to source those less well known alternative transportation programs or initiatives. A direct link to the survey was provided on ACT Canada s website. Internet and literature searches used to source information and/or existing case studies on alternative transportation programs. The research effort resulted in a total of 174 organizations responding to the survey with information on their programs and initiatives, as well as additional information collected on numerous organizations sourced through other means. It is recognized and noted that the research efforts may not have reached every possible organization in Canada that is active in alternative transportation programming or outreach. Not all organizations contacted participated in the survey. Every effort was made to document information by other methods. Conversely, there are likely some organizations that have alternative transportation programs that are not publicly visible or are still in their infancy. From the research conducted, the vast majority of alternative transportation programs are located within the large urban centres within the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Some of the larger centres where alternative transportation programs are being implemented and evolving are Vancouver/Victoria, Calgary, Winnipeg, Greater Toronto Area, Waterloo, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax areas. Page 3-3

30 As illustrated in the following table, the outreach efforts resulted in 211 survey participants representing 174 organizations participating from several organizational sector types. The number of responses by organizational type represents both programs and initiatives related to alternative transportation. Page 3-4

31 Employer Programs and Initiatives Overview Employer programs are the crux and focus of alternative transportation programs that seek to encourage methods of commuting that reduce vehicle kilometers traveled and promote alternatives to the single occupant vehicle (SOV). Employer-based programs and incentives target employees directly in an effort to motivate commuting behaviour change to reduce congestion and the social, economic and environmental impacts of driving alone. Employer-based programs and incentives reached through this survey include both public and private sector employers. Individual consultants, TMAs or NGOs with less than 15 employees were excluded from the employer program summary as these organization types are focused on alternative transportation consulting or program delivery. Private and public sector employers, regardless of size, were included in the data summary. This section will summarize the research results and will profile those employers with programs and initiatives in Canada. Summary of employer programs in Canada The survey reached 104 employers who indicated that their organization offered incentives or programming to encourage their own employees to change their travel habits. Location analysis The breakdown of employer-based programs researched by province indicates that almost half are in Ontario, with the remaining equally distributed between Alberta, Quebec, and British Columbia Note that this breakdown shown is indicative of the penetration and response rate of the survey by province. However, based on the larger research effort undertaken for this project, the vast majority of employer-based programs are indeed located in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec with most known employer-based alternative transportation programs being situated in the largest Canadian urban areas. Other location-based elements that are shared by organizations offering alternative commute programs are as follows: Most of the organizations have the following amenities within their community: a network of cycling /walking trails and bikeways (on-road) available high-speed internet access park and ride facilities About a third of the organizations indicated the following was available: a visible TDM network or outreach program in their community local government that offers TDM services to the community community-wide ridematching service carsharing service Page 3-5

32 Summary by employer type Most organizational employment sector types are represented within the research efforts. Public and private sector employers offering alternative transportation programming as well as NGOs were researched and assessed. Program element description Employer-based alternative transportation programs vary significantly from one another. Some may offer many, a few or only one key commuter options element or incentive. The salient alternative transportation programming incentives are summarized below for those respondents offering an alternative transportation program or incentives to their employees: 89% have bicycle parking onsite 75% participate in the Commuter Challenge 60% offer flextime to their employees 59% provide transit information onsite 52% have done a commuting survey 52% have a full or part-time TDM coordinator 49% sell/distribute transit fares onsite 49% offer a compressed work week to their employees 45% offer a ridematching service to employees 42% have a part-time formal telework program 41% have done counts or surveys to estimate person arrivals 37% have given their alternative transportation program a name 33% have an internal alternative transportation website 28% have dedicated carpool parking 27% have a TDM strategic plan 21% have undertaken evaluation measures 17% have a bicycle users group 16% offer an emergency or guaranteed ride home program 16% have a full-time formal telework program 9% use a vanpooling service Employer programs and initiatives are offered for a variety of reasons. The top reasons are: Environmental responsibility Air Quality Employee benefit GHG emission reductions Corporate leadership Page 3-6

33 Based on the research efforts there are very few employers who offer alternative transportation programs because they were mandated to do so either through a site plan agreement, bylaw or other imposed reason (i.e., walking the talk, council priorities, etc.). A more detailed summary of the reasons why employers said they implemented their alternative transportation program or initiative is highlighted in the following table. Page 3-7

34 Supporting elements of an alternative transportation program includes the type and availability of on-site amenities, mitigating the need to leave the worksite during the day or necessitating having a car available. Research indicates that amenities such as a cafeteria, teleconferencing and ATM machines are commonplace at the worksite and about half of employer organizations offering an alternative transportation program also provide transit/ticket sales on-site, exercise equipment and fleet vehicles. The table below highlights some of the common amenities available at worksites with alternative transportation programs. Page 3-8

35 From the research, of the organizations offering an alternative transportation program, less than a quarter have undertaken any evaluation measures to determine the results of their transportation initiatives. Commonly measured elements include traffic counts, surveys and participation numbers. The majority of those who undertake evaluation measures included measurable environmental benefit to the alternative transportation program. The evaluation measures typically used are participation levels and mode choice usage. Profiles of employer programs As evident from the research, the number of employers offering their employees active programming, incentives or support for alternative transportation in Canada are of the minority but significant in effort. This indicates that there is plenty of room for the growth of alternative transportation programs in Canada. From this outreach effort, it is apparent that employer-based alternative transportation programs are in their infancy in Canada, with the first such programs only having started in the late 1990 s. Therefore the employers highlighted in this section are to be commended for their leadership, community and environmental responsibility. They serve to act as role models within both their local communities and for Canada as a whole. Private sector employers Nortel Networks GreenCommute Program Organization Name: Nortel Networks (Ottawa) Program start date: 1998 Overview: The Nortel Networks GreenCommute program is a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program that was first piloted at the Nortel Ottawa 2.3 million sq.ft. Carling campus in The program was initiated as a joint endeavor by Nortel Networks, the Region of Ottawa-Carleton, the City of Nepean (now the amalgamated City of Ottawa) and the National Capital Commission (NCC) to mitigate the potential impacts associated with a large-scale expansion of the site. The goal of the Nortel Networks GreenCommute program was to actively encourage and promote commuting options other than the single occupant vehicle in an effort to reduce the number of vehicle trips arriving on-site. One of the first steps towards designing the program was to gather baseline information on the commuting patterns, behaviors and attitudes from employees. A comprehensive on-line survey included questions addressing driver behavior, existing commuting modes, attitudes, interests and barriers and motivators to alternative transportation. Comprehensive ground counts were also conducted to record baseline commuting activity for future evaluation and measurement purposes. The results of the data collection exercises were used to guide the development of the Nortel GreenCommute program. Originally launched for people working at the Ottawa Carling Campus in March of 1999, the program has since been expanded to sites in other parts of Canada (Toronto and Montreal) and the United States. The Page 3-9

36 size of the audience in Ottawa is approximately 6000 persons. One of the keys to the success of GreenCommute is that it addresses all commuting modes. Current program elements: Full-time TDM coordinator Dedicated & comprehensive GreenCommute intranet site Commuter Challenge participation Intranet based, self-serve Carpool Matching program (custom-designed) Parking management system (including online carpool registration) Active promotion through messages, on-line newsletters, transportation fair events, information packages Preferential parking for carpoolers (proximate or weather protected) State-of-the art teleworking program Teleworking Solutions, separate from, but linked to, the GreenCommute program Improved transit services and support (dedicated transit hub, streamlined transit routing, transit shelters, increased service, on-site transit information, on screen bus arrival information) Cycling support (dispersed bike parking, high security, sheltered parking, shower, change and locker facilities, active bicycle users group) Ongoing surveys, counts, evaluation and measurement Source: excerpts from and/or survey responses Mountain Equipment Co-Op Vancouver Store Organization Name: Mountain Equipment Co-Op (Vancouver) employees Program start date: 1997 Overview: Mountain Equipment Co-Op (MEC) is renowned for their corporate environmental responsibility and has an established and proactive alternative transportation program. Cycling is encouraged and supported and as a result 76% of the employees cycle to work. MEC actively supports alternative transportation through choosing store locations that are close to bike routes and transit lines and by providing bike storage facilities and showers and bike tools for staff. MEC does not provide car parking for staff. MEC also has a Store Environment Fund, a fund through which local alternative transportation initiatives are supported such as Bike Month celebrations and the creation of a School Cycling Policy Guide. Current program elements: Part-time TDM coordinator Commuter Challenge participation Onsite amenities (ATM, sundry shop) Taxis for employee use Carsharing (vehicles provided on a pay per use basis)on-site transit ticket/pass sales Showers, secure indoor bike storage, lockers Deals on shoes, clothing and accessories for all staff Cycling Tools - a shop stand and manuals for maintenance as well as cleaning and lubrication supplies are always available to employees. Bike touring gear is available for employees to borrow from a gear library. Publicize the availability of vanpooling services from the outside organization to employees Page 3-10

37 Teleworking employees can access the same IS support as other employees. Much work is done by . Bike Maintenance Clinics for Members - Some stores offer bike maintenance sessions for members. These clinics teach members how to keep their bikes on the road and running smoothly. Source: excerpts from (under social and environmental responsibility) and/or survey responses Sunlife Financial Organization Name: Sunlife Financial (Waterloo) 4000 employees Program start date: 1997 Overview: Current program elements: part-time TDM coordinator Commuter Challenge participation Onsite amenities (ATM, sundry shop fitness facility) Teleconferencing/videoconferencing Shuttle (campus or nearest transit station) Transportation fairs/events Transit/ticket pass sales Ridematching System Preferential, dedicated carpool parking 1 on 1 discussions with new hires on benefits of alternative transportation Part-time formal teleworking ERH program Source: survey responses VanCity Credit Union Organization Name: VanCity Credit Union (Vancouver) 50 employees Program start date: 1991 Overview: VanCity encourages environmentally responsible choices through programs and incentives. These include priority parking for carpoolers, BC transit passes at a reduced monthly rate, and sites are situated at locations easily accessible by transit. All branches have bike racks, and VanCity's head office has a secure bike room, lockers, and shower facilities. VanCity is an active participant in the Canadian Commuter Challenge on Clean Air Day Current program elements: part-time TDM coordinator Commuter Challenge participation Transit/ticket pass sales (BC transit passes at reduced rates) Preferential, dedicated carpool parking Payroll deducted transit passes (part of TransLink's Annual Employer Transit Pass program) Bike storage room, lockers and showers Carpool parking Page 3-11

38 Carpools parking discount (50%) Source: ; and survey responses Enbridge Gas Distribution Organization Name: Enbridge Gas Distribution. (Scarborough) 850 employees Program start date: 2000 Overview: Enbridge has an established alternative commuting program called Enbridge Commutes. They are currently developing a business case to secure a company-leased NGV shuttle bus to assist employees in getting to and from the Don Mills/Sheppard subway stop. Current program elements: part-time TDM coordinator Onsite amenities (ATM, fitness facilities ) Teleconferencing/videoconferencing Bike parking Ridematching (Carpool.ca) Preferred, dedicated carpool parking Transportation fairs/events Source: and survey responses Exhibition Place Organization Name: Exhibition Place. (Toronto) 200 employees Program start date: 2003 Overview: Exhibition Place is a company partner in the Pollution Probe SMART Movement program. The grounds of the Exhibition Place are large, covering 196 acres. While there are sidewalks, there are a lot of parking lots. Staff is working on getting showers refurbished for employee use to encourage bicycling. Three communal bicycles for staff are provided to use on the site. Cycling is encouraged and bicycle maps of the city are available. Exhibition Place recently installed 40 new bicycle parking posts. An annual barbeque occurs in honour of the City s bike week and bicycle repair seminars are held. Current program elements: Part-time TDM coordinator (Smart Coordinator Onsite amenities (ATM, fitness facilities) Teleconferencing/videoconferencing Bike parking Bicycle users group Ridematching (CarpoolTool.ca) communal bikes, electric gulf carts Transit information onsite Fleet vehicles for employee use Taxis for employees use Page 3-12

39 Commuter surveys to document modal split to the site Source: and survey responses Suncor Energy Organization Name: Suncor Energy. (Calgary) employees Program start date: 2004 Overview: Suncor Energy s alternative transportation program was initiated through the One Tonne Challenge program. Personal commitment cards have been developed to help employees achieve their One Tonne goal. Current program elements: Onsite amenities (ATM, cafeteria ) Teleconferencing/videoconferencing Bike parking, showers, lockers, change rooms Ridematching (internal carpool.ca) Carpool parking Fleet vehicles for employee use Shuttle Source: and survey responses West Jet Organization Name: West Jet. (Calgary) Program start date: 1997 Overview: "West Jet started its home reservations program back in Approximately 10% of its reservations workforce conducts their duties from home. From a business perspective, the HomeRes program reduces office space requirements, handles disaster recovery by having a remote network, and provides West Jet s workforce with an opportunity to reduce commuting time to work eliminates the stress of commuting and reduces vehicle costs.1 Source: Page 3-13

40 Private Sector Employers located in The City of Calgary Organization Name: Multiple Engstrom TransCanada Chevron Texaco Shell Canada Ltd. NOVA Chemicals IBM TransAlta Corporation ENMAX Corporation Program start date: Overview: The City of Calgary launched a large scale outreach campaign with the focus of the initiative on the availability of an online ridematching system, carpool.ca. The initiative has proven to be hugely successful with many organizations signing on. Corporations then broadened their own internal initiative to include other supporting program elements, such as (not necessarily offered at each organization): Current program elements: Ridematching (carpool.ca) - as the base leveraging program element Onsite amenities (ATM, cafeteria, fitness facilities) Teleconferencing/videoconferencing Bike parking, showers, lockers, change rooms Carpool parking Fleet vehicles for employee use Commuter challenge participation Source: and survey responses Private Sector Employers located in the Town of Markham Organization Names: IBM Canada Ltd. and URS Canada Ltd Program start date: 2001 Overview: The Town of Markham and the Smart Commute TMA are currently in the process of actively working with companies such as IBM Canada Ltd and URS Canada Ltd to both set up the local TMA, and to implement employer-based alternative transportation programs and/or initiatives within member companies. At this point in time, the following are some of the program elements being pursued. Current program elements: Full-time TDM outreach coordinator/representative Access to the information on the Smart Commute website Commuter options promotion ridematching Source: ; and survey responses Page 3-14

41 Public sector employers Federal Government: Within the NCR (National Capital Region), there is a program whereby all employees in all departments are eligible to purchase a transit pass through payroll deduction. In addition, the majority of worksites provide bicycle parking, and some of the buildings also offer showers and change facilities. Therefore, within all NCR Federal Departments some elements of alternative transportation programming are offered. Transport Canada s Green Commute Program Organization Name: Transport Canada, Ottawa (2300 employees) Program start date: 1999 Overview: Transport Canada s Green Commute program was the second employer-based alternative transportation program offered in Ottawa. It was designed from the outset to address all commuter modes and to offer a complete program to Transport Canada s employees. A key lesson from the 5 years that the program has been operational is that the services offered must be extremely convenient and a win-win situation for both employee and employer in order for people to change their commuting habits. The Green Commute program serves as a model for all other Federal government departments and offers a potent case study for commuter options programming. Current program elements: Ridematching system(internally developed, postal code based) Green Commute website Onsite amenities (ATM, cafeteria, fitness facilities) Teleconferencing/videoconferencing Bike parking, showers, lockers, change rooms Employee surveys Carpool parking Fleet vehicles for employee use Taxis for employee use Commuter challenge participation Transportation fairs/events Form of transit pass for employer to offer their employees through payroll deduction (i.e. EcoPass) Strategic development assistance for the launch of other programs Development and sharing of marketing and promotional items Source: and survey responses Page 3-15

42 Environment Canada - Federal House in Order Organization Name: Environment Canada, Ottawa (2300 employees) Program start date: 2002 Overview: The Leadership Challenge is the Federal House in Order (FHIO) program for encouraging all federal departments, agencies and Crown corporations to undertake a greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction program of their own design and voluntarily report on results. 2 In 2003 the FHIO did a TDM strategic plan and commuter options survey to assist in the design and delivery of a comprehensive alternative transportation program and initiatives. Current program elements: Onsite amenities (ATM, cafeteria, fitness facilities) Teleconferencing/videoconferencing Bike parking, showers, lockers, change rooms Employee surveys Fleet vehicles for employee use Taxis for employee use Express shuttle service Commuter challenge participation Transportation fairs/events Form of transit pass for employer to offer their employees through payroll deduction (i.e. EcoPass) Strategic development assistance for the launch of other programs throughout the Federal Government Leadership demonstration Source: and survey responses Environment Canada - Montreal Organization Name: Environment Canada, Montreal (180 employees) Program start date: 2000 Overview: The Montreal Environment Canada office has been active in alternative transportation promotion for over 5 years. The program, called Travel Alternatively, is focused on employees and is a model for both the local community and the entire region of Montreal. Encouraging alternative choices for business travel was a key element and focus of the Travel Alternatively programming. Current program elements: Part-time TDM coordinator 2 Page 3-16

43 Teleconferencing/videoconferencing Self-service bicycles for employees (including one electric bike) Business travel policy Bike parking, showers, lockers, change rooms Employee surveys Fleet vehicles for employee use transit tickets offered instead of taxi chits for local business travel Transportation fairs/events ridematching Source: and survey responses Public Works and Government Services Canada, Ottawa Organization Name: PWGSC Program start date: 2000 Overview: PWGSC offers it s employees in the National Capital Region the benefits of an employer deducted transit pass, bicycle parking, showers, change rooms and locker facilities, teleconferencing, videoconferencing, transit and ticket pass sales and fleet vehicle for employee use. PWGSC was also responsible for the piloting of a telework program within the Federal Government, specifically: Sponsored the TeleTRAC program to track GHG emissions and reductions by remote workers Sponsored the Telework Registry for aiding the creation of Telework Programs Developed a Satellite Office (Telework Centre) in Montreal Current program elements: Part-time TDM coordinator Teleconferencing/videoconferencing Onsite amenities (exercise equipment) Bike rack, showers Fleet vehicles for employee use Transit/ticket sales onsite Transportation fairs/events Overall employee awareness program Parking for carpools Source: survey responses Page 3-17

44 Indian and Northern Affairs, Gatineau Organization Name: Indian and Northern Affairs Overview: Departmental policy mandates the development and implementation of a comprehensive environmental awareness campaign supporting commuter options of employees. The employer provided transit pass for employees will soon be implemented: Current program elements: Part-time TDM coordinator Teleconferencing/videoconferencing Onsite amenities (ATM, childcare, sundry shop, exercise equipment) Bike rack, showers Transit/ticket sales onsite Annual Environment Week activities such as bike tune-up workshops Remote access tools in place supporting telework Web-based educational tool promoting sustainable internal operations awareness on intranet Source: and survey responses Industry Canada Organization Name: Industry Canada Program start date: 2004 Overview: Industry Canada has many policies and research initiatives that support alternative transportation. Research includes the University of Ottawa and Industry Canada biking health research. Current program elements: Part-time TDM coordinator Teleconferencing/videoconferencing Onsite amenities (ATM,, sundry shop) Transit/ticket sales onsite Locker allocations/shower facilities Commuter Challenge participation Bicycle user group Commuter surveys Fleet vehicles for employees use Green Corner website Monthly eco-tips to all employees Toolkit and financial support from Environment Canada Green hotels policy, sustainable development strategy Source: and survey responses Page 3-18

45 Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Organization Name: Industry Canada Overview: Natural Resources Canada offers an internal employee program and significant external supporting initiatives. NRCan is responsible for or a participant in offering policies and programs to the public on transportation efficiency and it s on internal operations reflect these policies.. Current program elements: Teleconferencing/videoconferencing Onsite amenities (ATM, child care, sundry shop, exercise equipment) Employer provided transit pass through payroll deduction (EcoPass) Commuter Challenge participation Commuter surveys Fleet vehicles for employees use Ridematching (developed own) Taxi for employees use Transportation fair/events Source: and survey responses National Capital Commission (NCC) Organization Name: National Capital Commission (NCC) Program start date: 1990 s Overview: The National Capital Commission is a Crown corporation with a unique mission and mandate to create and use the Capital Region as a source of pride for Canadians. Major events held in the Capital and programming and planning for these events with all levels of government are a key focus. NCC s internal alternative transportation program is currently under development. Current program elements: Toolkit to assist special events Transit/ticket pass sales Teleconferencing Taxi s for employees use Source: and survey responses Page 3-19

46 Provincial Government: Nova Scotia Department of Energy Organization Name: Nova Scotia Department of Energy Program start date: 2000 Overview: The NS Department of Energy encourages its own employees and offers funding for community level projects. Current program elements: Commuter Challenge participation Part-time TDM coordinator Onsite amenities (ATM) Transit/ticket sales onsite Fleet vehicles for employee use Ridematching (partner with TRAX regional service, carpool.ca) Source: and survey responses Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works Organization Name: Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Public Works Overview: The NS Department of Transportation and Public Works encourages its own employees to use alternative transportation. Current program elements: Commuter Challenge participation Onsite amenities (ATM) Transit/ticket sales onsite Taxis for employee use TRAX surveys Ridematching (partner with TRAX regional service, carpool.ca) Source: and survey responses Page 3-20

47 Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour Organization Name: Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour Overview: The NS Department of Environment and Labour encourages its own employees to use alternative transportation under the Sustainable Transportation Committee Current program elements: Commuter Challenge participation Transit/ticket sales onsite Fleet vehicles for employee use Active and sustainable transportation incentives and education for employees Ridematching (partner with TRAX regional service, carpool.ca) Source: and survey responses BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection Organization Name: BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection Program start date: approx Overview: The BC Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection has been offering alternative transportation outreach initiatives for almost a decade. Current program elements: Commuter Challenge participation Fleet vehicles for employee use Ridematching Teleconferencing Employer provided transit pass through payroll deduction Source: and survey responses Page 3-21

48 Local/Municipal Government: It is the local/municipal government that provides the direct community leadership to demonstrate that an employer-based alternative transportation program is easily implemented, maintained and a proven benefit to employees. Leadership by example is an important tool for encouraging other community organizations to offer such programs for their own employees. Yet, surprisingly, only 58% of the local/municipal governments surveyed indicated that they offered alternative transportation programming to their own employees. The City of Calgary Organization Name: The City of Calgary, (13,000 employees) Program start date: 2002 Overview: The City of Calgary s Staff Commuter Challenge is the internal alternative commute program targeted at employees. The internal program was mandated through a council priority for TDM. The Staff Commuter Challenge provides an example for the community by leading through example. Current program elements: Full-time TDM coordinator Teleconferencing Onsite amenities (child care, ATM, dry-cleaning, sundry store) Bike parking, showers, lockers, change rooms Employee surveys Fleet vehicles for employee use Transit/ticket sales onsite Transportation fairs/events Ridematching (Regional program carpool.ca) Source: and survey responses The City of Ottawa Organization Name: The City of Ottawa, (2,000 employees) Program start date: 1998 Overview: The City of Ottawa s internal and external alternative transportation program is called TravelWise. It started initially in 1998 as the model for the external outreach program. It has now been in existence for almost 7 years and all key programming elements are in place. Current program elements: Page 3-22

49 Part-time TDM coordinator (for internal program) Teleconferencing/videoconferencing Onsite amenities ( ATM, sundry store, exercise equipment) Bike parking, showers, lockers, change rooms Employee surveys Fleet vehicles for employee use Transit/ticket sales onsite Bicycle users group (5% participation) Transportation fairs/events Source: and survey responses The Town of Markham Organization Name: The Town of Markham, (2,000 employees) Program start date: 1998 Overview: The Town of Markham uses its internal program to test and model exactly the type of program that they are seeking to get area employers to implement. They recently conducted a vanpool market test (pilot project) in Dec to test employee acceptance for this mode. Currently in progress is a planned telework feasibility study. All key alternative transportation programming elements have been introduced to Markham s staff Current program elements: Part-time TDM coordinator (for internal program) Ridematching system ( Teleconferencing/videoconferencing Onsite amenities ( ATM, sundry store, exercise equipment) Bike parking, showers, lockers, change rooms Employee surveys Fleet vehicles for employee use Transit/ticket sales onsite Bicycle users group (5% participation) Transportation fairs/events Source: and survey responses Town of Richmond Hill Organization Name: The Town of Richmond Hill Program start date: 1998 Overview: The TDM initiative in Richmond Hill was implemented as a result of the Corporate Clean Air Action Plan. In June of 2000 the Town received the first ever Federation of Canadian Municipalities- CH2M Hill Sustainable Community Award for the Corporate Clean Air Action Plan recognizing Richmond Hill s TDM program as a national leader in working towards a sustainable community. This award was the catalyst for moving the alternative transportation initiative forward. Richmond Hill is Page 3-23

50 partnering in the GTA/Hamilton Smart Commute initiative and has established the local Smart Commute TMA. Current program elements: Part-time TDM coordinator 50% discount for Town employees of transit tickets Bike parking, shower/change facilities Telework program for eligible employees Rideshare program with designated carpool parking stalls Bike to work days Fleet vehicles for employee use Implementing Smart Commute with Markham and the local business community Source: and survey responses Regional Municipality of York Organization Name: The Regional Municipality of York Program start date: 2004 Overview: The Regional Municipality of York is on of the leads in the new GTA and Hamilton Smart Commute initiative under the UTSP. An internal alternative transportation program demonstrates leadership to their future potential Smart Commute business partners. Current program elements: Full-time TDM coordinator Onsite amenities (ATM) Transit/ticket sales onsite Transportation fairs/events Ridematching (Smart Commute TMA carpool.ca) Source: and survey responses Youth Programs and Initiatives Overview Youth programs and initiatives are designed primarily to engage youth prior to driving habits being established. This allows this group to be educated on the benefits and opportunities of alternative transportation. Presenting and establishing a positive image of alternative modes of travel such as walking, cycling, taking transit, carpooling, vanpooling and teleworking, through messages of better health, convenience and environmental benefits helps Canada s youth create a foundation of understanding of the benefits of commuter options. Many youth programs and initiatives focus on the benefits of active transportation. Key national elementary youth programs include Active and Safe Routes to School including the Walking School Bus. As they are Page 3-24

51 typically school-based, the secondary benefits of these programs are that students bring information home to parents on alternative transportation benefits. Secondary school programs and initiatives focus on raising awareness of the environmental impact on driving alone and removing the stigma attached with cycling and transit use. These programs seek to encourage and stress the mobility and freedom aspects associated with walking, cycling and transit use and the resultant reduced need to be driven to activities or using a car. This section will summarize the research findings and will profile Canadian youth programs from a variety of organization types. Summary of programs in Canada Youth programs are offered by local, provincial NGOs or local/municipal government. The interest in promotion of youth programs, partially fuelled by the increased attention on physical activity, is encouraging the implementation of youthfocused types of programs throughout the country. Two of the key programs broadly in use are the Active and Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) program targeted at elementary children and the Off Ramp program targeted at secondary school students. An overview of these programs is highlighted in the profile section. Specific or innovative youth targeted programs have also been developed by others in Canada. In 2005 Go for Green will shift the main focus of the Commuter Challenge event by separating the employer-based Commuter Challenge from the youth-based school challenge. By province According to the national coordinators, Go for Green, the ASRTS program is promoted and coordinated across Canada by a variety of organizations in each province and territory as follows: Alberta: SHAPE (Safe, Healthy, People, Everywhere); Sport and Recreation Branch (Government of Alberta); British Columbia: Way to Go!, funded by the Autoplan Broker Road Safety Program; Manitoba: Resource Conservation Manitoba; New Brunswick: Sport, Recreation and Active Living Branch of the Sport & Culture Secretariat (Government of New Brunswick); Newfoundland: Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (Government of Newfoundland); City of St. John's; Northwest Territories: Sport, Recreation and Youth Division of Municipal and Community Affairs (Government of the Northwest Territories); Nova Scotia: Ecology Action Centre and the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission (Government of N.S.); Nunavut: Recreation and Leisure Division (Government of Nunavut); Ontario: Greenest City (as of December 1, 2003: Green Communities Association); Page 3-25

52 Prince Edward Island: Sport and Recreation Division of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs (Government of PEI); Québec: Kino-Québec and Vélo-Québec; Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Culture, Youth & Recreation Department (Government of Saskatchewan); Yukon: Sport and Recreation Unit (Government of Yukon); Recreation and Parks Association of the Yukon. Profiles of youth programs Youth program profiles Active and Safe Routes to School Organization Name: Go for Green, National Coordinators, Ottawa Overview: Active & Safe Routes to School (ASTRS) is a national program encouraging the use of active modes of transportation to and from school. The benefits include: Increased physical activity for children and youth A healthier lifestyle for the whole family Less traffic congestion around schools Safer, calmer streets and neighborhoods Improved air quality and a cleaner environment Overview of ASRTS Initiatives Walking School Bus for young children for safety and traffic awareness Biking School Bus for older children with adult supervision and a focus on bike safety International Walk to School Week (IWSW) No idling zone for cars around schools Busing drop-off zones a kilometre or so from school and safe pedestrian routes for kids to walk the rest of the way to school Central school bus pick-up and drop-off points to increase physical activity for students and enhance busing efficiency Physical infrastructure changes to increase safety for walkers, cyclists, in-line skaters, etc., to reduce and calm traffic, and to cut pollution Policy Changes 3 The ASRTS program is offered in many communities throughout Canada by different local/municipal governments or NGOs. Source: and survey responses 3 Page 3-26

53 Off-Ramp Program Organization Name: Developed by Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST), BC Program start date: 1998 Overview: Off ramp is a student-led program to change attitudes & circumstances so that secondary students increasingly walk, cycle, take transit, board, blade and carpool to school. 4 The program was developed by BEST, and is now offered in a variety of locations such as Greater Vancouver,Victoria, Kelowna and Whistler, BC; Swift Current, Alberta; Whitehorse, Yukon and Winnipeg, Manitoba (through the Resource Conservation Manitoba). The BEST off ramp program developed fun and innovative ways for youth to take action on sustainable transportation in the onehundredandone activity guide. Each of the 101 activities identified provides a summary of how to undertake the project. Source: and survey responses Way to Go Program Organization Name: Way to Go Program start date: 1998 Overview: The Way to Go! School Program is a RoadSense project that fosters safer, healthier travel alternatives for elementary and middle school students. Way to Go! offers effective tools to help parents make safer alternative travel arrangements for students going to and from school. The goal of the Way to Go! Program is to enable more children to walk, bike, rideshare or take public transit to school with their families, friends and neighbours. To date, more than one-third of all B.C. Elementary and middle schools have requested the Way to Go! resource kit. Source: excerpts from the website Green Communities Organization Name: Green Communities Program start date: Page 3-27

54 Overview: The Green Communities Association is a national network of community-based nonprofit organizations that deliver innovative environmental programs and services, with a focus on household and community action. The GCA supports member organizations in working together to achieve environmental sustainability, including healthy ecosystems and communities, sustainable resource use, and clean air, water, and soil. The GCA delivers the ASRTS program for elementary students and has introduced the STEP program for secondary schools. The Sustainable Transportation Education Program (STEP) was a pilot project aimed at determining how to best implement sustainable transportation initiatives at a secondary school level. The Green Communities Association (GCA), through its successful ASRTS program for elementary schools, was keen to expand the program to High Schools. Through consultations with Better Environmentally Sustainable Transportation (BEST)'s Off-Ramp program, the Town of Markham, Pollution Probe, and Peterborough Green-Up, and funding support from the Climate Change Action Fund, the STEP program was born 5. Source: and survey responses Recreation and Parks Association of the Yukon Organization Name: Developed by Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST), BC Overview: The Recreation and Parks Association of the Yukon offers programs to encourage walking and cycling to schools under the Active Yukon Program. There are currently 8 elementary and 5 secondary schools participating. Participation in the commuter challenge campaign, newsletters and educational materials are components of the program. Source: and survey responses School Commuter Challenge Organization Name: Go for Green, Ottawa Program start date: The event started in 1991 and Go for Green became the national event organizers in 2000 Overview: The Commuter Challenge introduced students and youth in the overall National Commuter Challenge in an effort to engage students and parents. As a result of the growing interest of schools in participating in the Commuter Challenge, and in the interests of better targeting the messaging for both employers and schools, Go for Green is moving to separate the employer-based commuter challenge and the youth-based school challenge. For the upcoming 2005 Commuter Challenge, students and schools will be registering in their own section of the Commuter Challenge website. This allows for more targeted participation and individual program development. 5 Page 3-28

55 Source: and survey responses Region of Waterloo You Can Clear the Air - Grade 3 Curriculum Supplement Organization Name: Region of Waterloo Program start date: 2003 Overview: You Can Clear the Air is a supplement to the Province of Ontario's curriculum and part of the Region of Waterloo's Travelwise program. It targets the future generation of potential motor vehicle drivers and creates awareness about travel choices among children, teachers and parents. It brings the message through games, activities, facts and exercises about issues related to the impact of travel choices on air, health and land use. The unit asks students and their families to complete a 7-day family travel audit that assess how families travel and identifies opportunities for change. Students see the emissions motor vehicles produce by placing a sock over a tailpipe and creating pollution catchers. Teachers taking on the unit are able to book a Grand River Transit bus tour of their neighbourhood where the students make observations about land uses and their impact on travel choices. The unit culminates with an exercise that asks students to educate others about what they learned. Each year several art projects are chosen to be part of the Our Kids Say Travelwisely campaign and placed on the outside of Grand River Transit buses. The project is an outcome of Regional Council s request to educate the public about auto reduction and TDM initiatives (Action 8 from the Regional Transportation Master Plan). The unit was developed though a partnership of a Region of Waterloo inter-disciplinary team (Transportation Planning and Grand River Transit staff), two local School Boards, an educational consultant and teachers and students from pilot classes. A copy of the Teacher s Guide is in the Teacher Resource Library of every elementary school in the region and is available digitally from each of the School Board s server. The Region of Waterloo will make the program materials available to transit systems and school boards, upon request. Source: and survey responses Allégo Do you have 2 legs or.4 wheels? Organization Name: Agence métropolitaine de transports (AMT) Program start date: 2004 Overview: The Agence métropolitaine de transports (AMT) developed an Allégo at school program that includes a quiz and a field trip by public transit for the teacher to plan with the class. Source: and research Page 3-29

56 Institutional Programs and Initiatives Overview Institutional programs, geared to the students, staff and faculty, of a college or university or institutional facility provides community leadership and a role model for the businesses and pubic alike. Universities and colleges must target their alternative transportation program delivery to a wide range of stakeholders, all with varying incomes, backgrounds and travel habits. As the centers for learning in the community, these groups are very important for establishing visible alternative transportation programs, leveraging buy-in from students the future employees of business organizations. Summary of programs in Canada As with employers, the majority of institutional programs that are offering alternative transportation programs and incentives are found in the largest urban centres within the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec. Program element description U-PASS A U-Pass provides all students access to transit for the duration of the school year and is included as a mandatory part of tuition fees. The cost of transit through a U-Pass can be significantly lower than the cost of buying monthly transit passes. U-Pass programs can serve to significantly raise transit ridership to the university or college campus. For example, at UBC, transit ridership increased 48% in the first year after the U-Pass was introduced 6 The Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) has recently published a U-PASS Toolkit available online at This document indicates that as of March 2004, there were 20 universities or colleges offering the U-PASS in Canada, in the Provinces of Ontario, British Columbia Alberta and Nova Scotia. The survey results indicated that approximately 40% of the institutions that had completed the survey had implemented the U-Pass program. Other key elements of the alternative transportation program The survey results indicated that institutions responding to the survey and offering alternative transportation programs had the following key characteristics: 100% indicated that there site was readily accessible by transit and 90% indicated it had very good to excellent service 75% provide ridematching, with an equal split between a service provider or developing their own 6 Page 3-30

57 67% have a full or part-time TDM coordinator 67% have done a commuting survey 50% have a TDM strategic plan 25% offer an emergency ride home (ERH) program 33% provide dedicated carpool parking Other key elements of the alternative transportation program The following table summarizes why institutional survey respondents are interested in or implementing alternative transportation initiatives. The top reasons sited for program implementation included: Infrastructure costs Community relations Employee benefit Air quality Page 3-31

58 Profiles of institutional programs Universities or Colleges The UBC Trek Program Organization Name: University of British Columbia (UBC) Program start date: 1997 Overview: UBC is located at the westernmost tip of Vancouver, and is a community of over 50,000 students, staff, and faculty, with hundreds of educational, residential, and administrative buildings. In 2003, approximately 60,000 one-way person trips are made to UBC on a daily basis. In the spring of 1997, the Board of Governors decided that UBC should lead the region in promoting, researching, and integrating sustainable transportation alternatives. UBC decided to start in its own backyard: The UBC TREK Program Centre was born. The TREK program now stands as a model for Canadian institutions and a testament to the success of this proactive and all -encompassing alternative transportation initiative. Its strong partnerships both on and offcampus (BEST, TransLink, Jack Bell RideShare) help contribute to the program's success. Current program elements: TREK Program Centre - staff are dedicated to the alternative Transportation program development and program promotion Carpool ridematching program (Commuter Connections) Online RideBoard - the online alternative to the bulletin board for rides to and from campus, the city, and beyond CanCart Loaners - a handcart or a bikecart, this 'trailer' is free to UBC community members and allows the alternative transportation user a method of carrying groceries, books, presentation materials, - just about anything that would be too large or heavy to carry by hand or load into a pannier. Cycling Programs: o Bike Right is a four-hour, free, interactive workshop that will help improve and refine cycling road and safety skills. o Bicycle Users Group (BUG) - The BUG is an informal focus group comprised of students, staff, faculty and other stakeholders who cycle to, from and around UBC on a regular basis. The group, in partnership with the AMS Bike Co-op, is an info sharing and advisory body, and it provides feedback and suggestions to relevant parties on how to improve cycling on/around the UBC campus. End of Trip Facilities o o Lockers and showers are available Bike racks - covered and uncovered - are located outside each of the major buildings. Page 3-32

59 .Emergency Ride Home (ERH) - ERH provides commuters who regularly vanpool, carpool, bike, walk, or take transit with a reliable ride home via a cab when an emergency arises. TREK reimburses 90% of the cost of the trip, not including the tip Shuttle Programs: o Campus Shuttles travel a fixed route on campus. o Grocery free daily shuttle to the grocery store from UBC residences Transit Programs: o Employer Pass Program (EPP) UBC staff and faculty a 15% discount on transit with a minimum 12 consecutive month commitment. o Electronic photo id used. Shared Vehicle Program Pilot Project: This program is modeled after the Cooperative Auto Network car booking system and offers a UBC-specific web-based booking system for departmental use. Provides departments that own vehicles with an opportunity to recoup some costs of ownerships and provides departments that occasionally need use of a vehicle with an opportunity to book through our campus network, while minimizing the need to bring personal vehicles to work for occasional off-campus daytime trips. ComPASS: Community Pass Program modeled after the student U-Pass, this program is expected to launch in 2005/2006 and will provide all residents of UBC that are not staff, faculty, or students with an unlimited transit pass in addition to access to other transportation benefits. U-Pass Card o The U-Pass was approved by referendum in February It is a mandatory pass for students at a cost of $20/month over 8 months. The U-Pass entitles UBC students to unlimited access to TransLink's bus, SkyTrain, and Seabus services and to discounts on the West Coast Express. Results: The results of the TREK program are significant. The March 2003 Transportation Status Report highlights the following success indicators: Transit use has doubled in 6 years. From 1997 to 2003, the number of daily transit trips per person at UBC has increased 99%. The introduction of the U-PASS in 2003 resulted in 48% increase in the number of daily trips. Single occupant vehicle use has decreased by almost 20% Daily traffic volumes have decreased 7% (from 1997 to 2003) levels Cycling has increased by almost 4% Source: excerpts from and survey responses The University of Ottawa Organization Name: University of Ottawa (U of O) Program start date: 2003 Overview: U of O is conveniently located near the heart of downtown Ottawa and is one of the national capital's largest employers with approximately 3,000 staff and more than 30,000 full and part-time students. The alternative transportation program at U of O was launched with the inhouse development of a ridematching service for staff, faculty and students. The U of O actively encourages its community to use public transit, cycle, skate and walk. These travel alternatives are Page 3-33

60 promoted through the University listserv and three University based newspapers which also encourages community participation in organized events. The University of Ottawa was the 1st organization to create a partnership with the EcoPass and Passe-Patout Plus programs offered by OC Transpo (City of Ottawa) and STO (Société de Transport de l Outaouais) for the support and teaching staff of the University of Ottawa. The programs began in January 2000, and have steadily gained popularity amongst teaching and support staff members, for instance between May 2003 and May 2004 these programs increased by 32% and are still attracting new subscriptions Current program elements: Dedicated full-time TDM coordinator (since June 2004) Baseline commuting survey conducted Onsite amenities (child care, ATM, fitness facility) Working on the expansion of existing campus shuttle service. Two on-site locations for transit ticket/pass sales. On site shower facilities, accessible to staff and students alike Teleconferencing/Videoconferencing available Dispersed, sheltered and secured bike parking With the City of Ottawa, the U of O helped to fund and finalize additional bike routes leading to the campus Source: and survey responses Carleton University Organization Name: Carleton University Program start date: 2003 Overview: Carleton University is located along the Rideau Canal and Rideau River. The University has approximately 4,500 faculty and staff, and 23,000 students. The highlight of Carleton's alternative transportation program is the light rail (O-Train) station located at the centre of the campus. The introduction of the O-Train in 2001 represented a major transit improvement to the site. With an average of approximately 3300 students/staff using the train the first year it opened in 2001, this figure has risen to 5,250 per day in The convenient and accessible service offered by the O-Train has helped Carleton increase its accessibility and mitigate the need for driving. In addition, four major bus routes come onto the Campus. Carleton University was one of three organizations in Ottawa that won the inaugural 'Ottawa's Best Workplaces for Commuters" award in Current program elements: Part-time TDM coordinator Baseline commuting survey conducted in January 2005 Onsite amenities (child care, ATM s, bank, medical centre, fitness facility, campus security) Fleet vehicles for employee use On-site transit ticket/pass sales Page 3-34

61 Payroll deduction of OC Transpo bus passes (ECOPASS) Teleconferencing/Videoconferencing available Bike parking with installation of cameras in defined locations Access to numerous walking/running trails as well as playing fields Source: and survey responses University of Victoria Organization Name: University of Victoria (UVIC) Program start date: September 2002 Overview: The University of Victoria has approximately 17,000 students and 4,800 employees and is located on Vancouver Island. The campus itself is surrounded by an extensive network of walking paths and cycling routes. In order to preserve the unique campus atmosphere, TDM is a critical component of campus planning and long term development. The UVic Campus Plan outlines the University s commitment to reducing single occupant vehicles and supporting affordable sustainable transportation programs. Other principles in the plan support smart growth, construction of new buildings on parking lots, a commitment to no new surface parking, and protection of green spaces. The Transportation and Parking Goal from the 2003 Campus Plan is to: Reduce motor vehicle traffic to the campus and to encourage increased use of public transit, cycling and walking. Key Objectives include: 1. To shift the mode of travel from the Single Occupant Vehicle to either High Occupant Vehicles (carpool, rideshare, public transit etc.) or Active Transportation (cycling, walking, roller-blading etc). 2. To reduce the number of commuter trips by students, faculty, and staff to and from the University of Victoria. 3. To shift travel time away from peak hours to reduce traffic congestion and improve local air quality. 4. To demonstrate leadership within the Capital Regional District in order to transform social culture Current program elements: Part-time TDM coordinator Comprehensive Traffic Audits conducted every 4 years On-site amenities (child care, movie theatre, pharmacy, ATM, fitness facility, teleconference, videoconference) Universal Buss Pass Program for Undergraduate and Graduate Students ($56 per semester per student) Extensive cycling support: over 1000 bike parking spaces, 6 covered shelters, over 100 bike lockers, over 500 clothing lockers, compressed air hose, cycling route kiosk, free commuter cycling skills courses for faculty and staff, UVic Bicycle User s Committee, annual cyclist visibility campaign, participation and sponsorship in annual Greater Victoria Bike to Work Week. On-site transit ticket/pass sales Fleet vehicles for employee use Carsharing on-site Carpooling program with designated stalls Page 3-35

62 Electric vehicles get a designated parking stall and costs of connection are covered by the university. Idle free zones throughout campus Facilities Management bike fleet and electric gators: instead of using gas powered vehicles, staff uses bicycles and electric utility carts for maintenance and operational tasks. BC Transit Pro-pass for Employees All new buildings designed with showers and change-rooms to support active transportation. SPOKES Bike Bursary Program for Undergraduate Students Parking fees have increased by 47.5% over the past 4 years Upcoming program additions September 2005: Full time TDM coordinator Development of internal on-line ridematching program for students, faculty and staff Creation of University Employee Bus Pass (offered at $38 per month, compared to $60 per month for adult bus pass in Victoria) Creation of the Rideshare Parking Permit which allows for priority parking until 10am Development of the 3 day parking pass in which those participating must commit to taking alternatives 2 days a week Upgrades to campus crosswalks and pedestrian crossings Facility improvements to campus bus shelters (partnership with BC Transit) Formation of university telecommuting policy Additional bike shelters Phase in of hybrid vehicles to campus security fleet (5 year turnover) Greenhouse Gas Emissions inventory Construct additional scooter/motorbike parking Develop image and communication strategy around campus TDM program to link initiatives and connect back to planning: UVic Commutes Program Additionally, the University is currently working with staff and elected officials of municipal councils to amend parking bylaw requirements with campus new developments. Measurable Changes in Transportation Patterns: Travel Mode 2000 Audit 2004 Audit Auto drivers % Auto passengers 11.0% 11.8% Transit Passengers 17.8% 26.2% Cyclists 5.5% 6.0% Pedestrians 11.3% 8.7% Skateboarding or rollerblading n/a 0.2% Source: and survey responses Page 3-36

63 York University Organization Name: York University Program start date: 2001 Overview: York University has approximately 7,000 faculty and staff, and 50,000 students spread over two campuses in the GTA. It is the largest university campus in Canada. In addition over 85% of the students and 90% of the staff have home addresses in the GTA. This results in a total of over 1,000 buses a day that serve York, making it the largest transit hub in the GTA without a subway. York University was instrumental in the launch of the Black Creek Regional Transportation Management Association and has played a key role in the TMAs ongoing sustainability. York University embraced and led alternative transportation programming and incentives in the GTA and continues to be a champion for sustainable alternative transportation. York University is currently planning a pilot vanpool that will travel from Barrie to the Keele campus. Current program elements: Full-time TDM coordinator Onsite amenities (child care, ATM, fitness facility, teleconference, videoconference) On-site transit ticket/pass sales GRH program and ridematching through the Smart Commute Assoc. of Black Creek Extensive transit service (1000 buses arrive at the campus each day, new regional express bus services, new GO Train station near the campus and discounted TTC passes) Source: ; and survey responses University of Waterloo Organization Name: University of Waterloo Program start date: 1991 Overview: The University of Waterloo has approximately 2,900 faculty and staff, and 21,000 students. The University has been participating in the Commuter Challenge since 2000, and competitions on campus are between students in each faculty and the faculty and staff. Many of the program innovations are the result of student research papers. For example, a 1995 research project revealed that students were driving from their residences on campus, to another parking lot, closer to their classes. Since then, Parking Services only issues one parking pass per person, minimizing the number of short on-campus driving trips. Current program elements: The Turnkey Ride Board: a ride board, located in the Student Life Centre, that has been matching drivers and riders since 1987 Ride Exchange Inc. - a private enterprise linking drivers with riders Free Carpooling Service CarpoolTool.com - Commuting within Kitchener-Waterloo - Cambridge - Guelph UW's Bike Centre: - to repair bicycles while campus Onsite amenities (child care, ATM, fitness facility, teleconference, videoconference) Bicycle Resource Centre - Recycle Cycles Offers reconditioned bicycles to buy and a facility to repair bikes. Source: ; and survey responses Page 3-37

64 University of Calgary Organization Name: University of Calgary Program start date: 1991 Overview: The University of Calgary has approximately 4,800 faculty and staff, and 29,000 students. The University of Calgary is an active participant in The City of Calgary s alternative transportation outreach initiative, the Carpool.ca promotion. The media advertising and leveraging of this community-wide program helps the University with its carpooling initiative. The implementation of the U-pass resulted in an increase in transit ridership of 35% with a corresponding decrease in demand for onsite parking. Current program elements: Ridematching service through the City of Calgary s Carpool.ca initiative Transit/ticket pass sales on-site Onsite amenities (child care, ATM, fitness facility, teleconference, videoconference) Fleet vehicle for employee use Free bike racks and premium for fee bike lockers U-Pass for full-time students Transportation Fairs Source: and survey responses Wilfrid Laurier University Organization Name: Wilfrid Laurier University Program start date: N/A Overview: Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) has approximately 1,100 faculty and staff, and 9,500 students and is located in the City of Waterloo. The University works with the Community and the Region in promoting the use of transit and bikes. Future plans include a secure bike area, installing more bike racks. WLU has implemented a parking management initiative to reduce the number of students parking on campus who are close enough to walk, bike or take transit conveniently. The University sponsors student events such as Car Free Day, by donating items like bike helmets for prizes. This year there will be a student referendum to vote on the U-Pass. Current program elements: Transit/ticket pass sales on-site Onsite amenities (child care, ATM, fitness facility, teleconference, videoconference) Trip planning events (transit and bike shops/interest groups) Bike loan program commencing soon Students within a 4km radius do not qualify for a parking pass Fleet vehicle for employee use Transportation fairs Source and survey responses Page 3-38

65 Algonquin College Organization Name: Algonquin College Program start date: 2003 Overview: Algonquin College is located in the west end of Ottawa, immediately adjacent to a transitway station. There are approximately 2,400 faculty and staff, and 47,000 students at this location and the existing transit ridership rate to the campus is 70% (Jan 2005). Despite the high transit ridership, Algonquin College recognizes the value in supporting and encouraging alternative transportation. Current program elements: Transit/ticket pass sales on-site Onsite amenities (child care, ATM, fitness facility, teleconference, videoconference) Taxis for employee use Carpool parking Source and survey responses Organization Name: McMaster University Program start date: 2002 McMaster University: Overview: McMaster University is located in Hamilton with approximately 3,500 faculty and staff, and 22,000 students. An Alternative Commuting & Transportation (ACT) Office was created in July 2002, to inspire McMaster faculty, staff and students to bike, hike, take transit and share the ride to campus. The mandate of the ACT Office is to reduce the demand for parking at McMaster and in surrounding neighbourhoods through increased awareness of alternatives and enhanced services and infrastructure. Active in event planning, research, program development, the TDM coordinator works with both campus and community partners, including transit agencies serving the campus leverage alternative transportation. Current program elements: Transit/ticket pass sales on-site Direct transit promotion Free tours on local transit offered to incoming students during "Welcome Day" event to familiarize them with transit services and Hamilton U-Pass for full-time undergrad and grad students (negotiated through student representative bodies) pilots of new transit routes free bus ticket incentives for incoming students to visit the campus free bus ticket incentives for alternative transportation supportive events such as Earth Day, during Commuter Challenge, Car Free Day Onsite amenities (child care, ATM, fitness facility, teleconference, videoconference) Carpool ridematching (carpool.ca) Pedestrian-priority campus core which excludes all but authorized vehicles (authorized vehicles include transit, bicycles, service/delivery vehicles, campus shuttles) Carpool parking Extensive cycling support Page 3-39

66 Bike buddy program to link experienced and novice cyclists Cycling education McMaster Cycling Committee advises the University/ACT Office on cycling matters Cyclist distribution list) Source and survey responses Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT Polytechnic) Organization Name: SAIT Polytechnic Program start date: 2001 Overview: SAIT is conveniently located in the centre of The City of Calgary. It began its alternative transportation program with a Universal Transit Pass for students in partnership with Calgary Transit and expanded in 2002 with The City of Calgary's community outreach initiative, Carpool.ca. Current program elements: Onsite amenities (child care, ATM, fitness facility, teleconference, videoconference) U-Pass for students and staff On-site transit ticket/pass sales Bike storage Ridematching service through the City of Calgary s Carpool.ca initiative Results: The key to SAIT's TDM program has been the popularity of the UPass. Transit ridership among students and staff increased 38% in the first year, and has steadily increased each year since. Source and survey responses Hospitals Grand River Hospital Organization Name: Grand River Hospital, Kitchener Program start date: 2002 Overview The Grand River Hospital (GRH) worked closely with the Region of Waterloo to establish an employer based alternative transportation program. The collaboration began in early 2000 and has evolved into the GRH Commutes program Current program elements: Part-time TDM coordinator Onsite amenities (child care, ATM) On-site transit ticket/pass sales Carsharing Subsidized corporate bus passes Page 3-40

67 Secure bike cage only staff can access Reduced parking costs for carpoolers and reserved covered spaces Guaranteed ride home Commuter options information in new hire packages GRH Community package Source and survey responses St. Mary s General Hospital Organization Name: St Mary s General Hospital, Kitchener Program start date: 2002 Overview The St. Mary s General Hospital (SMGH) worked closely with the Region of Waterloo to establish an employer based alternative transportation program. The collaboration began in early 2000 and has evolved into the St. Mary s Advocates Responsible Transportation (SMART) program Current program elements: Part-time TDM coordinator Onsite amenities ( ATM) On-site transit ticket/pass sales Taxi for employee use Ridematching (carpool.ca) SMART display board Source and survey responses Page 3-41

68 Community Programs and Initiatives Overview Community-based alternative transportation outreach programs, offered by the local or regional municipal government or the local or regional NGO typically target employers, youth and the general public. Usually characterized by focusing on a broad outreach audience (employers, institutions, youth and the general public), these community-based programs and initiatives serve to raise the profile, acceptance and importance of alternative transportation. The most active community-based programs are those that are local/regional NGOs, such as Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST), Ecology Action Centre (TRAX) and Resource Conservation Manitoba, or programs run by the Regional Transit Authority, such as TransLink s On Board or Go Green Choices (with BEST) and AMT s Allégo program. Summary of programs in Canada The most intensive and well funded alternative transportation programs are those run as part of a Regional Transit Authority s mandate. Heavily funded by the Province, these programs have the staff, mandate and on-going funding to ensure a program s success. There are two such initiatives in Canada, TransLink in Vancouver, BC and Agence Métropolitaine de Transport (AMT) in Montreal, QC. The alternative transportation programs, initiatives, services and tools offered by these organizations are renowned internationally. The next tier of community-based programs are those offered by the local/regional environmentally based NGOs. Some of the key leading programs of this nature in Canada are Resource Conservation Manitoba, Winnipeg; Ecology Action Centre (TRAX) Halifax, NS, and Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) in Vancouver, BC. These programs are environmentally focused and offer the direct outreach, event coordination and contact with employers, schools and the general public in each location. BEST, as one of the originators of alternative transportation outreach initiatives in Canada, supports TransLink in its Go Green Choices employer outreach initiative and On Board program. Finally, alternative transportation programs, initiatives, services and tools are often offered by the local or municipal government directly, often in partnership or collaboration with other stakeholders. Program element description Alternative transportation program delivery to the community is generally focused on the following key areas: Page 3-42

69 Event coordination: Commuter Challenge, Bike Week, Walk to School week, Car Free Day Employer Outreach: trip reduction program education and outreach, surveys, site assessments, ridematching assistance, toolkits, etc. School Outreach: Active and Safe Routes to School, Specifically, the following elements are offered to the community by these various groups: Page 3-43

70 Profiles of community-based programs Regional Transit Authority community-based profiles TransLink On Board Program Organization name: TransLink, BC Program start date: 1992 (OnBoard began in 1992) Number active employer participants: 160 Overview: TransLink s OnBoard Program promotes awareness of, and facilitates the use of, transportation alternatives to the single occupant vehicle (SOV). It provides the employer and TransLink with the opportunity to identify, promote, and facilitate the implementation of more cost-effective transportation choices at the employer s worksite. Benefits for employers and employees include: TransLink also provides funding for the BEST Go Green Choices program. - Time savings & financial savings - Options/choices for commuting - Reducing traffic congestion - Enhancing quality of life and workplace - A positive public image of a socially responsible company through the use of initiatives such as: o Employer discount transit pass o Ridesharing / carpooling / vanpooling o Commuter Car Share/Pool Vehicles o Cycling o Telecommuting o Parking Management Strategies o Shuttle buses The OnBoard program analyses the results of an employee survey, management interviews, and a location assessment, to produce a report and recommendations tailored for individual organizations and their employees. Source: website; survey results Agence Métropolitaine de Transport (AMT) Organization name: Agence Métropolitaine de Transport (AMT), Montreal Program start date: 2000 Overview: The AMT, with the support of the Quebec Department of Transport (MTQ), has overseen the implementation of alternative transportation programs in the Metropolitan Montreal Area. The Page 3-44

71 Allégo Program (named in 2003) has allowed some 20 transportation demand management pilot projects to be carried out using two approaches: The individual approach, with measures applied at a workplace or place of learning by a business or institution The cluster approach, with measures applied to an employment area by a transportation management centre (TMC), to meet the needs of area businesses and institutions These projects involved expenditures of $1.66 million, with $1.0 million coming from the MTQ and $0.65 million from the AMT. They affect 14,500 businesses, more than 50,000 employees and 28,000 students. Current program elements: Sharing of transportation demand management expertise Conducting feasibility studies with partners to help to develop projects tailored to local needs Free access to carpooling software Information booth Trial metropolitan transit pass (TRAM card), a marketing device targeted directly at employees who travel alone in their cars, allowing them to try public transit free for a month Allégo kit, a reference tool for businesses and institutions and an information and awarenessraising tool for TMCs. Allégo training for businesses, institutions, TMCs and transportation partners Annual Allégo show and presentation of the Allégo merit award Mass-transit annual subscription pilot project: turnkey service for employers that offers employees a chance to buy 12 passes for the price of 11. The Allégo Program has fostered the set up of 4 TMCs (Note: a TMC is the same as a Transportation Management Association TMA): Smart Commuting, sponsored by the real-estate developer Cité Multimédia, was the first TMC launched, in January In May 2002, it became an independent non-profit organization. Its territory covers the whole of downtown Montreal The Saint-Laurent Commuter Management Centre began operation in November It is located on the premises of the Economic Development Department of the Borough of Saint- Laurent. The Centre de gestion des déplacements de l Est (the east-end transportation management centre) began operation in December 2001 through an initiative of the economic development corporations (Société de développement économique Rivière-des-Prairies Pointe-aux- Trembles Montréal-Est SODEC) of Rivière-des-Prairies, Pointe-aux-Trembles and Montreal East. Allégo Laval was launched in March 2004 in a partnership between the Laval Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chambre de commerce et d industries de Laval CCIL) and the Laval Transit Corporation. Results Since 1999, some 20 Allégo projects have been carried out in the Metropolitan Montreal Area with AMT technical assistance. Fourteen projects initiated by employers that can potentially reach 51,000 employees and 28,000 students directly Three TMCs and one private-public partnership associated with a TMC. These can potentially raise the awareness of and mobilize roughly 14,460 employers. Two carpooling projects managed by the Lower Laurentian CIT and the City of Châteauguay and serving 190,000 citizens from their places of residence Source: excerpts from the Urban Transportation Showcase site, Case Studies website Page 3-45

72 NGO community-based profiles Resource Conservation Manitoba Organization: Resource Conservation Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Program start date: 1997 Number of years offering alternative transportation programs: 5 Staff: 6 Annual TDM budget, excluding staff: $40,000 Number active employer participants: 4 Number of active school participants: 5 (elementary and secondary) Overview: Resource Conservation Manitoba s Green Commuting Initiatives (GCI) promotes sustainable and active transportation practices in Winnipeg workplaces and schools by encouraging cycling, walking, transit and carpooling. Resource Conservation Manitoba, an environmental non-governmental organization that leads the way in providing community-based trip reduction programs for schools and workplaces in Manitoba, currently coordinates two programs aimed at alternative transportation for commuters and two programs directed to youth in the community: Commuter Challenge An annual public outreach project that fosters friendly competition between workplaces and schools to adopt alternative forms of transportation during National Environment Week Going Green A pilot project to provide TDM tools to Winnipeg workplaces that build capacity in supporting alternatives to the single occupant vehicle Off ramp Manitoba A secondary school vehicle trip reduction program designed to encourage high school students to become leaders in the green commuting initiative at their schools Active and Safe Routes to School An active transportation program that works with parents and teachers to get elementary school-aged children to and from school in a safe and more sustainable manner, including walking and cycling 7 Current program elements: RCM offers a full range of services to area employers and schools, including: Employer toolkit Training for employee transportation coordinators Showcase Case Study Page 3-46

73 Employee survey funding or assistance Transportation fair assistance Programming assistance Strategic development assistance Marketing or promotional materials Toolkit to assist special events organizers in accommodating and promoting the use of TDM-friendly modes of transportation Financial incentives (cash or in-kind) to assist special events organizers in encouraging and/or providing for the use of TDM-friendly modes of transportation Newsletter/on-going communications workshops; campaign support; limited funding, prizes and incentives Source: excerpts from case studies, and survey responses Ecology Action Centre (TRAX) Organization: Ecology Action Centre, Halifax, NS Program start date: 1997 Number of years offering alternative transportation programs: 5 TDM Staff: 1 Annual TDM budget, excluding staff: $125,000 Number active employer participants: 13 Number of active school participants: 125 (elementary and secondary) Overview: The Ecology Action Centre (TRAX) works to promote sustainable transportation (public transit, cycling, walking, carpooling, vanpooling, or a combination of modes) in Nova Scotia through trip reduction programs, public education, advocacy and outreach. The aim is to enhance air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, make our communities safer and more just, and promote health and well-being of all citizens.8 TRAX has also developed the Two Feet nursing program. This is an employee health program using Dalhousie nursing students and one-on-one sessions to introduce employees to the benefits of integrating active transportation in their daily routines. Current program elements: TRAX offers a full range of services to area employers and schools, including: Employer toolkit Training for employee transportation coordinators Employee survey funding or assistance Transportation fair assistance Programming assistance Strategic development assistance Marketing or promotional materials 8 Page 3-47

74 Toolkit to assist special events organizers in accommodating and promoting the use of TDM-friendly modes of transportation Financial incentives (cash or in-kind) to assist special events organizers Newsletter/on-going communications Ridematching (carpool.ca) Region/citywide awards program Event organization (Car Free Day, Commuter Challenge, Bike Week, etc.) School programs (ASRTS, Walk to School Week) Source: excerpts from and survey responses Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) Organization: Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) Program start date: 1991 TDM Staff: 8-15 Number of years offering alternative transportation programs: 13 Annual TDM budget, excluding staff: $n/a Number active employer participants: 150 Number of active school participants: not available (elementary and secondary) Overview: Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST) is the largest non-profit organization in Canada with a mission to foster sustainable transportation. Over the past 13 years, BEST has developed a range of initiatives to promote sustainable forms of transportation in the workplace, school and community including programs such as Go Green Choices, Off-Ramp, Bike Month and Street Reclaiming. BEST developed the first Canadian workplace commuting options program, Go Green Choices in 1997 and has run the Commuter Challenge in the Greater Vancouver Area since TransLink, the regional transit authority, contracts BEST to deliver workplace commuting options programs, Go Green Choices and OnBoard. In 2002, BEST organized and hosted the first Transportation Demand Management conference in Canada. BEST is active in promoting facilities that lead to healthier travel choices and has been successful in coordinating with municipal partners to develop the Central Valley Greenway, a cross-regional, active transportation facility. Since its inception, BEST has led the call for dramatic improvements to transportation policy and planning in the greater Vancouver region, and across Canada. Through policy, consultation, research and communications, BEST pushes for better urban planning, cleaner air, and sustainable, equitable and efficient transportation systems. BEST s programs are innovative and have set the stage for other outreach initiatives across Canada. Current program elements: Employer toolkit Training for employee transportation coordinators Employee survey funding or assistance Transportation fair assistance Programming assistance Strategic development assistance Marketing or promotional materials Public lectures Workshops/seminars, site assessments Page 3-48

75 Customized consulting services Brochure racks for Go Green Choices materials Toolkit to assist special events organizers in accommodating and promoting the use of TDM-friendly modes of transportation Financial incentives (cash or in-kind) to assist special events organizers in encouraging and/or providing for the use of TDM-friendly modes of transportation Newsletter/on-going communications Ridematching (Jack Bell rideshare) Region/citywide awards program Event organization (Car Free Day, Commuter Challenge, Bike Week, etc.) School programs (ASRTS, Walk to School Week) Youth leadership training Advisor to Cambie Corridor Consortium Source: excerpts from and and survey responses Organization Name: Pollution Probe Pollution Probe Program start date: 2002 Number of years offering alternative transportation programs: Since 2002 Annual TDM budget, excluding staff: $20,000 Number active employer participants: 10 and 3 hospitals Overview: Pollution Probe developed the S.M.A.R.T Movement: Saving Money and the Air by Reducing Trips alternative transportation guide to assist employers with implementing programs. They are currently actively involved with a number of employers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Pollution Probe is an NGO recognized for their leadership policy work. They offer media launch assistance, site assessment, coordinator networking, other event assistance (i.e. lunch and learn, service provider assistance/advice, etc). Pollution Probe is the GTA coordinator/originator of the Clean Air Commute. Current program elements: Employer toolkit (Smart Movement) produced in 2001 Employee survey funding or assistance Transportation fair assistance Strategic development assistance Marketing/promotional materials Media launch assistance Site assessments Coordinator networking Lunch and learn Source: and survey results Page 3-49

76 Local/regional government community-based profiles Resort Municipality of Whistler Organization Name: Resort Municipality of Whistler Program start date: 1999 Number of years offering alternative transportation programs: Since 2002 Annual TDM budget, excluding staff: $20,000 Number active employer participants: 10 Overview: The Resort Municipality of Whistler is unique in Canada in that the alternative transportation program, Whistler Way is focuses on a resort community with a very high transient (or vacationing) population. RMOW is responsible for TDM and alternative transportation community wide. Current program elements: Full time TDM coordinator 2 week Whistler Way Commuter Challenge (held outside of the National Commuter Challenge) and is open to Whistler residents and employees One Tonne Challenge community challenge Employer transit pass pilot program. Guaranteed ride home Organize and run alternative transportation awareness programs such as Commuter Challenge Ridematching service (Jack Bell Rideshare) Vanpooling Awards programs Express shuttle service Bike racks and ski racks on all local buses Source: wwwlbusonline.ca. and survey results Page 3-50

77 Organization Name: City of Calgary, Alberta Program start date: 2002 City of Calgary, Alberta Number of years offering alternative transportation programs: 3 Annual TDM budget, excluding staff: $100,000 Number active employer participants: 36 Overview: In 2002, The City of Calgary partnered with Commuter Connections to develop, implement and promote an Internet-based carpool program for the Calgary area (carpool.ca) piloted at the City s largest employers By the end of March 2003 nearly 1,000 Calgarians had registered with Carpool.ca to take advantage of the ride matching service. Surveys conducted by Commuter Connections indicate that 143 carpools were formed in these first few months taking approximately 250 cars off the road each day. With additional funding from the federal government's Climate Change Action Fund and EcoAction as well as Alberta's Climate Change Central the program was expanded to provide Calgary's entire population with access to the free ride matching services of Carpool.ca. Stage two was officially launched with the declaration of Rideshare Week October 20, Carpooling was promoted in a number of ways during Rideshare Week. Television and radio public service announcements were developed and aired. Carpool.ca banners were hung over six of Calgary's most heavily traveled roadways. The Alternative Transportation message was taken to three locations: Bow Valley Square, the University of Calgary and to the Environment Expo at the Harry Hays Building. The website received 30,000 hits during Rideshare Week. During Calgary's first annual Rideshare Week (October 2003), 634 carpools were reportedly formed with participants reducing their travel by 31 million kilometers annually. The public cost savings are estimated at $9.8 million per year with reductions in greenhouse gases emissions of over 7,000 tonnes annually. This translates to an estimated 2000 auto trips removed from Calgary's peak hours each day. 9 Calgary's rideshare program continues to grow as a result of the continued partnerships developed between the corporate community in Stage 1 and the media in Stage 2. As of January 2005, over 2800 Calgary commuters had participated in the Carpool.ca program. In collaboration with the branded carpool.ca outreach program, the City of Calgary offers a comprehensive and extensive range of alternative transportation programming, tools, services and initiatives, such as: Ridematching service (carpool.ca) Cycling skills training Commuter Challenge campaign or equivalent Transportation fairs Transit on demand service for persons with disabilities (i.e. specialized, paratransit, DART, etc.) Real time transit information Expanded/extended transfer capabilities (i.e. timed transfer) Universal transit pass included in tuition fees for college or university students (i.e. U- Pass) Bike lockers at major transit terminals 9 Page 3-51

78 Park and Bike sites along the pathway network integrate drive and cycle modes Transit signal priority Shared HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes Free parking for transit pass users at transit hubs Promotional materials (TV and radio communications, etc) The City of Calgary is also actively partnering with local organizations through the Clean Air Strategic Alliance (CASA) to engage member organizations in alternative transportation programs. The CASA board has recently approved several recommendations that it hopes will get more Albertans out of their cars and onto buses and bikes, including asking member companies to evaluate and assess their current use of TDM measures, to consider implementing or modifying their programs as appropriate, and report back to the team in three years. Urban municipalities will be encouraged to promote such programs in their regions, and the team will also work with the CASA Communications Committee to develop communications tools to help with implementation and reporting on employer-based TDM measures. 10 Source: ; and survey results Region of Waterloo TravelWise Program Organization Name: Region of Waterloo TravelWise Program, Waterloo, ON Program start date: 2000 Overview: The Region of Waterloo s Travelwise program is a Transportation Demand Management program geared toward meeting the Region s Transportation Master Plan stated goal of 7% reduction in total auto trips by the year The RTMP s 14-step action plan identified various TDM strategies focusing on public transit enhancements, bicycling and pedestrian facilities and TDM supportive land uses. It also identified the need to hire a TDM staff member to initiate and maintain TDM strategies within and between all municipalities. One of the first initiatives was assisting two large employers seeking to manage their significant growth. Grand River Hospital and Clarica Insurance (now SunLife) launched employer TDM programs as part of a project funded partially by Transport Canada s Intelligent Transportation Systems program. Looking to the future generation of drivers, school educational opportunities were targeted and resulted in an awardwinning* curriculum supplement for Grade 3 students. The infancy years of the Region s program has generated the interest of other municipal (Regional and Local) staff and the decision-makers. It is encouraging to see opportunities to improve the walking, cycling and transit environment and implement TDM-supportive land uses are being identified and acted upon by other related disciplines, namely engineering, traffic, construction and health. Current program elements in place or in development: Full-time TDM Planner in Planning, Housing and Community Services Commuter Challenge participation for last 5 years Improved transit services and support (6% annual increase in service hours since 2000, corporate transit pass, Urban Transportation Showcase Program project Central Transit Corridor express service, higher-order transit service Environmental Assessment underway,) Improved cycling network and support (Regional Cycling Master Plan updated including a prioritized network and supporting strategies, 85 km of regional bike routes built since 2000, Regional Cycling Advisory Committee, 10 Page 3-52

79 Cyclework - a bike skills training course for adult cyclists offered, bike racks on transit buses, bike parking at transit stations) Further development of employer programs, including one underway for Regional staff Improved pedestrian environment (improved accessibility to transit stations, raising community and staff awareness of pedestrian issues) TDM supportive land uses (review development applications for support of TDM goals, new Regional Growth Management Strategy identifies more compact, mixed use development along a Central Transit Corridor to address expected growth, Official Plan being updated to reflect RGMS, CITE's Canadian Guide to Promoting Sustainable Transportation Through Site Design being introduced to community) Community events to raise awareness of TDM and opportunities to encourage behaviour change ASRTS is being implemented in the community through a multi-stakeholder group including public health/ngo partnership. ASRTS is currently working with 5 schools. Source: and survey results Organization Name: City of Peterborough, ON Program start date: 2001 City of Peterborough, Ontario Overview: Peterborough Green-Up's alternative transportation outreach initiative, Peterborough Moves, was launched for environmental, community and health reasons and initially focused on youth in It is now in the development stages for offering employer outreach and is a partnership with the City, local health and Peterborough Green-Up. A dedicated website has been developed that focuses on all commuter options and includes a link to a free ridematching site. A month-long commuter challenge, Shifting Gears, was started in 2004 and was very successful in its first year. There is an active ASRTS program that is complemented by an Active and Safe Community Routes initiative. Current program elements: Full time TDM coordinator Partnerships with Health unit and local green community Program to encourage walking and cycling International walk to school l day Anti-idling program Ridematching (carpooltool.com) Month long Commuter Challenge Working on improving options available by: undertaking transit improvements in co-ordination with TDM initiatives working on walking and cycling infrastructure through off-road trail developments, on-road cycling lane expansions and a sidewalk inventory/plan Source: and survey results Page 3-53

80 Organization Name: City of London, ON City of London, Ontario Number active employer participants: under development Number of active school participants: Approx. 120 Overview: The City of London offers internal programming to its employees and external outreach to Londoners and London businesses. Recently the City hosted a 1-day TDM workshop. The City s program is now under development and evolving. As part of this, Council approved the re-packaging of the community TDM Program to Solution to Help Individuals Find Transportation (SHIFT) Alternatives Program as part of the Air Quality Moving Forward Locally strategy. Current program elements for employees, individuals or the business community: Full time TDM coordinator Transit pass/ticket sales Bike parking, showers School walking route signage Strategic development assistance U-pass Marketing materials Commuter challenge participation Transportation fairs/events Source: and survey results Organization Name: City of Moncton, NS City of Moncton, Nova Scotia Overview: The City of Moncton offers both internal and external alternative transportation outreach initiatives. Current program elements: Active transportation Master Plan Minimum bike parking standards Youth programs (11 elementary, 3 secondary) Employer toolkit Cycling skills training Commuter Challenge Bike festival Bike racks on buses Source: and survey results Page 3-54

81 Organization Name: City of Abbotsford, BC City of Abbotsford, British Columbia Overview: The City of Abbotsford offers both internal and external alternative transportation outreach initiatives. Current program elements: Ridematching Vanpooling Toolkit for event organizers Newsletter/on-going communications International Walk to School campaign Program to encourage walking and cycling by students Source: and survey results Organization Name: City of Kelowna, BC Program start date: 2000 City of Kelowna, British Columbia Annual TDM budget, excluding staff: $75,000 Overview: The City of Kelowna program, i-go, offers both internal and external alternative transportation outreach initiatives. To maintain livability and community mobility, the City of Kelowna forged a unique partnership with the Regional District of the Central Okanagan and was later joined by Westbank First Nations to develop and implement a region-wide Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program. Administered by the City s Transportation Department, the TDM program is widely regarded as the most developed program outside of Greater Vancouver. 11 Current program elements: Parking maximums Minimum bike parking standards at new developments Shower standards at new developments Toolkit to assist special event organizers Program to encourage youth International walk to school campaign Ridematching service (carpool.ca) Commuter Challenge participation 11 Page 3-55

82 Source: and survey results Organization Name: Town of Banff, AB Program start date: 2001 Town of Banff, Alberta Overview: The Town of Banff provides internal and external alternative transportation outreach. Current program elements: Ridematching (purchased from supplier) Transit ticket/ pass sales Source: and survey results TMA Programs and Initiatives Overview There are relatively few existing Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) in Canada at the present time. Leveraging the benefits of alternative transportation outreach by focusing on a specific and usually defined geographical area TMAs offer a targeted approach for encouraging and supporting alternative transportation programs. They are often comparable to the community initiatives in the services they offer to employers, but are typically targeted to a defined geographical area. In addition, TMAs traditionally only focus on employer or institutional programming and incentives and do not address youth transportation issues. Summary of TMA programs in Canada The first TMA in Canada was the Cambie Corridor Consortium in British Columbia that was formed to address the unique needs of the Vancouver General Hospital in The Black Creek Regional Transportation Management Association was formed in 2001 as a collaborative initiative amongst many stakeholders as a pilot for the GTA region. Centered on York University, it was the platform that launched the new Smart Commute project in the GTA under the Urban Transportation Showcase Program. The AMT collaborated in the launch of the Cite Multimedia TMA at around the same time, leading to a total of 4 TMAs in the Montreal area. TMAs by province/city TMAs in Canada are located in the most densely populated urban cities of Montreal, Vancouver and in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Three TMA survey respondents were from the Montreal area, two were from the GTA and one from Vancouver. Page 3-56

83 TMAs Program element description The services currently offered by these TMAs are highlighted in the chart below: Page 3-57

84 Based on the survey results, the most valued service offered by the TMA is advocacy, ridematching and the provision of transit discounts. Page 3-58