Information on Green Commuting Modes
Transit | Ridesharing | Walking and Cycling | Telecommuting

Transit …

Through the “Bus It!” pilot program, RCM learned that cheap parking was a barrier to riding the bus. "Winnipeg Transit's EcoPass" employer-sponsored program provides the opportunity to subsidize bus fares to the same extent as employee parking.

Winnipeg Transit offers industrial charters for workplaces that don’t have effective regular transit options for shift workers.

Contact Winnipeg Transit to request that a transit shelter be installed at a stop where many of your employees take the bus. Or, you may be able to provide your own shelter as a signal that your workplace cares about the needs of transit users and values their commuting choice.

Other measures for encouraging transit use include: flexible work schedules, transit information and passes sold on site, promotion of Winnipeg Transit’s online trip planner called Navigo, and provision of bus tickets as an alternative to personal car use for work purposes.

Check out Winnipeg Transit’s website www.winnipegtransit.com, or call the Transit Information Line at 986-5700 for more details on these, and other Transit related programs.

As of July 1, 2006, Canadians who use public transportation are eligible for a non-refundable tax credit on the cost of monthly bus passes. Be sure to keep your monthly transit passes and receipts to submit with your 2006 income tax return. For more details, see the following Canada Revenue Agency press release.
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Ridesharing …

Carpooling can produce a substantial reduction in the number of cars arriving at a workplace each day with a small amount of encouragement. At BC Tel’s (now Telus) Burnaby headquarters, 35% of employees routinely engage in carpooling as part of a program that started in the early 70’s.

Carpooling on an informal level is fine, but some coordination and encouragement can move it to the next level. Employers can facilitate carpooling by matching participants. Web based matching services can help!
VivaCommute: www.vivacommute.com
Commuter Connections: www.carpool.ca
Free on-line matching: www.carpooltool.com

Other support services for carpoolers include providing a guaranteed ride home (usually a taxi) or by designating priority parking spots.
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Walking and Cycling …

Facilitate more active transportation by providing facilities such as showers and lockers, or subsidize a pass to a fitness centre located nearby where employees can take advantage of these amenities.

Cyclists need a safe, secure place to store their bicycles. Install a bike cage on site. Build team spirit within your workplace by creating walking / cycling clubs; or match up experts with rookies, and make the commute to work part of a workplace wellness program.

Cycling education is an important area for action in a Green Commuting Plan. Basic education about safe routes and a provision of a Cyclist’s Map of Winnipeg can be enough to encourage avid cyclists to ride to work. For novice riders, sponsor a CAN-BIKE workshop in your workplace to help them acquire skills necessary to ride safely.
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Telecommuting …

The issues surrounding telecommuting are fairly complex on their own and require research and careful planning. But the potential benefits in terms of productivity, space savings and prevention of automobile emissions are enormous.

Learn more about telecommuting, also known as “telework”, from the Canadian Telework Association at: www.ivc.ca
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