Since 2002, York University has championed for sustainable transportation solutions that benefit the environment, the York U community, and York U’s bottom line through the Smart Commute program. The Smart Commute program is available to all York U staff, faculty and students across all campuses.
Commuting by walking, cycling, taking public transit or carpooling is linked to benefits for individuals, their families, their employers and the environment.
- Increased freedom and mobility: Smart Commute resources help commuters with trip planning and carpool matching. More commuting options mean more flexibility.
- Healthier living: Commuting by sustainable transit is linked to a healthier lifestyle with a lower mortality rate, a happier outlook, and increased productivity.
- Decreasing road congestion and pollution: Sustainable commuting means fewer single occupancy vehicles on the road, which decreases congestion and improves air quality.
- Reducing household expenses: People who take public transit, walk, cycle or carpool can save $10,000 per year or more compared with people who drive alone.
- Increased productivity: Transit commuters can spend time pursing activities that do not require them to watch the road. Additionally, carpoolers can take advantage of HOV lanes and reduce their commute times.
- Increased job satisfaction: Studies show that employees who are satisfied with their commutes are 10% more likely to remain with an employer.
The Smart Commute program has a number of key features that will help you find sustainable ways of getting to and from campus.
Benefits
Smart Commute App
The Smart Commute app is available for download on the App Store, get it on Google Play, or check out the web version. When registering, make sure you that specify that you’re part of York University. We recommend using your York U email address to sign up.
Key features include:
Carpool
Match with other users who are part of the same organization or have the same destination.
Trip Planner
Plan your trips by exploring carpool, transit, walking and cycling options.
Trip Tracking
Login and begin tracking your travel choices by distance, cost, and emissions savings. Logging trips also enters you into annual contests to win prizes.
Trip Buddies
Match with other users who are looking for a partner to take transit, walk, or cycle together – ideal for first timers!
Single Trip
Find a rideshare for a single trip, to attend an event, or to travel to your workplace on an irregular schedule.
Emergency Ride Home
York U employees (staff and faculty) are eligible for Emergency Ride Home (ERH) reimbursement. If you have an unforeseen emergency and you use a sustainable method to commute to work, you can request reimbursement for the cost of your emergency trip home (up to $75 or prescribed limit). Ensure you retain all emergency transportation receipts as they will need to be submitted as part of the reimbursement claim. For more information or to submit a claim, please visit the Smart Commute ERH webpage or the Smart Commute App, or email info@smartcommutentv.ca.
Campaigns and Contests
Smart Commute runs campaigns and contests every June for Bike Month, September for Smart Commute Month, and February for Winter Commute Month. Look out for details by following @SmartCommuteNTV or visiting www.smartcommutentv.ca
The Smart Commute program team is often on campus during these months so if you see them, come by the booth and say hi!