The SCMRH Gazette
Fall Edition (October 2018)
2018 Custom Project Highlights
Smart Commute Concierge:
Pictured workplaces and their employees (left to right): AMD, AECOM, BGIS, and Canderel
The Smart Commute Concierge project (May to September) saw overwhelming participation from 445 workplace employees at seven workplaces (AMD, AECOM, BGIS, Canderel, WorleyParsons, WSP, and York Region - (50 High Tech)). Each participating employee received a personalized travel plan from SCMRH. Sixteen outreach events and route planning sessions were delivered, between June to September, at each workplace. At project completion, 1,276 sustainable commute trips were logged on the Smart Commute Tool from June to September, and participants utilized the points program to redeem 175 incentives .  
Try Transit:
Pictured workplaces and their employees (left to right): Markham Stouffville Hospital, Town of Richmond Hill, and WSP
The Try Transit project (May 2018 to Feb 2019) incentivizes single occupant vehicle drivers to take public transit to work by providing a $15 (a total of $45 over three months) preloaded PRESTO card or York Region Transit tickets via the YRT/Viva Pay app, for a minimum of one round trip per month for a duration of three months. Participants also receive support from SCMRH for logging trips on the Smart Commute Tool , and transit route planning assistance from York Region Transit. Currently, there are 24 active participants from six SCMRH workplaces (City of Markham, COLE, Mackenzie Health, Markham Stouffville Hospital, Town of Richmond Hill, and WSP). As of September, eight info and reload sessions have taken place, with 17 transit trips logged on the Smart Commute Tool . Additional outreaches and promotion are on-going.
Smart Commute Month:
SCMRH received an overwhelming number of survey responses and pledges from workplace employees to take the Smart Commute Month Challenge , where participants were challenged to try a new, sustainable mode of transportation during Smart Commute Month (September 10 - October 5). The SCMRH network saw remarkable results throughout Smart Commute Month:
Thank you to all our workplace champions for promoting Smart Commute Month, and employees who completed the survey and participated in the Smart Commute Month challenge! Your responses will continue to help us create and deliver sustainable travel programs to Smart Commute workplaces.   
Workplace Champions Workshop
On Thursday, September 13th, Smart Commute Markham, Richmond Hill (SCMRH) hosted the 9th annual Workplace Champion Workshop. This year, we introduced our first panel discussion, in which three Smart Commute workplace champions shared their insight and advice on how to implement a Smart Commute Workplace Program at hospitals. Special guest speakers from the Behavioural Economics in Action at Rotman also attended the event to present their research on incentivizing and encouraging behaviour change in their presentation, “The Psychology of Commuter Behaviour and Transportation Choices.”
 
View photos from our event on our Facebook page !
Workplace Events
Seneca College Wellness Fair:
Pictured: Seneca Markham students exploring their sustainable commuting options
SCMRH attended the Seneca College Wellness Fair, on September 11, to promote the Smart Commute Month post-secondary and annual travel surveys to Seneca Markham students and staff. Students and staff were asked to provide feedback about their commuting experience for a chance to win one of two $250 VIA Rail Travel vouchers.
City of Markham’s Employee Appreciation Day:
Pictured: City of Markham employees exploring their sustainable commuting options
On September 12, SCMRH staff attended City of Markham's Employee Appreciation Day at the Markham Museum, where SCMRH kicked off the first outreach event for Smart Commute Month. City of Markham employees were encouraged to take the Smart Commute Month survey and participate in the Smart Commute Month challenge.
A Step in the Right Direction:
Pictured: Step Challenge Info Sessions at WSP - Commcerce Valley Drive (side left), WSP - Cochrane Drive (top right), and AECOM (bottom right)
From July to October, 144 workplace employees from four SCMRH workplaces participated in company-wide step challenges. SCMRH was onsite at both AECOM and WSP locations to offer info sessions about the challenge, which included how to log their trips on the Smart Commute Tool and incorporate walking into their daily commutes.

Both step challenges achieved great results:

  • Over 1,900 walking trips logged (7,037 kms or 9,234,908 steps)
  • 3 tons of carbon dioxide saved
  • Over $4,000 saved
  • Over 800,000 calories burned
Electrifying your Ride:
Pictured: Electric vehicle sessions being held at AMD (top left and bottom right) and AECOM (top right and bottom left)
AMD and AECOM Electric Vehicle sessions:
SCMRH teamed up with our friends at Plug’n Drive to deliver two great electric vehicle (EV) sessions at AMD and AECOM.

Employees at AMD and AECOM spoke with and learned from Plug’n Drive representatives about the financial and environmental benefits of driving an electric vehicle, the latest brands and models available in Canada, and how to sign up for a test drive at Plug’n Drive’s Electric Vehicle Discovery Centre (1126 Finch Avenue West). A few lucky workplace employees had the opportunity to test drives a few EVs onsite at their workplace!

For more information on Plug’n Drive, click here .
Pictured: Electric bike sessions being held at the Richmond Hill Board of Trade (top left), Qualcomm (bottom left) and IBM (right)
IBM, Qualcomm, and Richmond Hill Board of Trade e-bike sessions:
The future of cycling is electric.

SCMRH hosted three e-bikes sessions at IBM Canada, Qualcomm, and the Richmond Hill Board of Trade. Workplace employees had the opportunity to learn more about using
e-bikes, their environmental benefits, and cycling safety tips from our friends at Revelo and our very own staff members Sonya De Vellis and Christopher Ford! Participants were able to test ride electric bicycles and learn about the ease of maintaining and transporting portable bike for multi-modal travel.
Qualcomm’s Easy to Fit in Session
Pictured: Workplace employees at Qualcomm participating in an Easy to Fit in Session with Instructor Maryse Wood
On September 28, SCMRH and Qualcomm hosted an “Easy to Fit In” session with instructor Maryse Wood from Focused on Fitness . Employees learnt simple exercises and activities that they can do at the office or while using another sustainable mode of transportation – such as on transit or as a carpool passenger - to stay fit and energized! The session was also the kick off to the Qualcomm step challenge.
Sustainable Superstar Series:
SCMRH is looking to feature individuals who commute sustainably to and from work in our Sustainable Superstar Series . By sharing your sustainable commuting journey, you are encouraging sustainable commuting in Markham and Richmond Hill. Sustainable commuting stories can be one of the following:

  • Carpooling
  • Public Transit – York Region Transit, TTC, GO Transit
  • Active Transportation – Cycling or Walking
  • Teleworking (working from home)
  • Multi-modal – more than one sustainable commuting option

To submit your story, click here . We look forward to seeing your submissions!
Richmond Hill Board of Trade’s
2018 State of Town Address
Pictured (left to right): Christopher Ford, Calvin Cheung, Sonya De Vellis, Samantha Maurice, Wincy Tsang, and Richmond Hill Councillor David West. Photo courtesy of Snapd Richmond Hill
On Friday, September 14, SCMRH staff attended the 2018 State of Town Address. Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow addressed the business community about future initiatives within Richmond Hill, including plans for increased public transit service and infrastructure. Our staff interacted with members of the local business community and SCMRH workplaces, while promoting the annual Smart Commute Month survey, and the Smart Commute Tool to help employees to explore alternate commute options.
York Region and Metrolinx News
York Region Transit: Customer Satisfaction Survey:
Photo courtesy of York Region Transit
Are you satisfied with your transit commute? York Region Transit (YRT) wants to know!

Beginning on October 15, you may be approached by a staff member from a third-party agency, on YRT buses and at bus stops and terminals, to take part in a six-minute customer satisfaction survey. ALL staff conducting the survey will be equipped with a name badge, tablet and safety vest.

For more information, please click here .
York Regional Forest Walks and Events:
Photo courtesy of York Region
Take a walk on the wild side with York Region’s Forest Walks and Events. These  FREE  walks are great fun for people and families of all ages and provide participants the opportunity to explore the beautiful parks, forests, and trails that York Region has to offer.

Click here to register for the final three forest walks of 2018.
Interesting Reads and News
Are you ready to cycle into action? Watch the Cycling 101 webinar!
  • A study conducted in the UK found that walking in cities can evoke positive emotions and alleviate stress, anxiety, and over stimulation. Read more … article via Mobility Lab.

  • Tap on to YRT and TTC with PRESTO with a webinar hosted by SCMRH and PointA! Click here to watch the webinar, which provides helpful tips on registering, loading and paying with PRESTO.

  • Did you know that a short commute can make your property worth more? Read more from Mobility Lab about how reducing your travel time can increase your property’s worth!