Warm up your commute!
From February 24 to 29, challenge yourself to try a new mode of commuting to work, such as carpooling, taking transit, teleworking, cycling or walking!

Take the winter commuting quiz for a chance to win a $50 Amazon e-gift card , courtesy of York Region.
SCMRH participates in Winter Walk Day at Randall Public School!

SCMRH joined York Region District School Board on February 5 to celebrate employees, parents, students and teachers at Randall Public School who walked for all or part of their commutes to work or school!

Congratulations to all students who braved the cold to walk to school from home or the bus stop! For more photos of Winter Walk Day, check out York Catholic District School Board and York Region District School Board ' s Twitter accounts.
SCMRH Decade in Review

SCMRH reflects on all our successes and milestones this past decade, and looks forward to connecting Markham and Richmond Hill workplace employees with sustainable commute options that meet their needs. Here's to many more years of smart commuting!

Click here to see a full infographic of our program achievements from 2010 to 2019.

If your workplace is located in Markham or Richmond Hill and you are interested in joining the Smart Commute program, please contact info@smartcommutemrh.ca or call 289-844-3026 to schedule an initial consultation.
Spotlight on our sponsors: AMD and CAA
AMD
SCMRH welcomes AMD as our newest Corporate Sponsor! For ten years, AMD has championed sustainable commuting options for their employees by offering reserved zones for carpool parking, monitored secure bike racks and a repair station, underground electric vehicle charging stations, and a Mobile Workforce Program and flexible work hours.
In total, AMD has participated in over 30 SCMRH campaigns and five custom projects (including Transit Pilots, Carpool Incentives, and Workplace Travel Planning) to implement successful sustainable commuting programs, which have resulted in 6,628 non single-occupant vehicle trips logged on the Smart Commute Tool, resulting in 31 tons of greenhouse gas emissions saved. 
SCMRH looks forward to continuing our partnership with AMD through their sponsorship and commitment to the program.
CAA
CAA supports our annual  Bike to Work Day group ride  by providing program resources, bike accessories, a sweep car, and prizes for participating riders. 
 
CAA also offers a  Bike Assist  program for their members to address problems that can be fixed on the spot, such as a flat tire. However, if a cyclist encounters a problem that cannot be fixed on the spot or their bike is damaged beyond repair, CAA will transport them and their bike to their destination*.  

For more information about the CAA Bike Assist program, including terms and conditions, please visit  caasco.com/cyclingsafety . 
* Basic Members receive four tows up to 10 km, Plus Members receive four tows up to 200 km and Premier Members receive one tow up to 320 km and four tows up to 200 km within CAA South Central Ontario territory. Bike Assist counts as one of your allotted roadside calls during your membership year. Service will be provided to cyclists where there is permitted vehicle access, and based on seasonal availability.
Congratulations to SCMRH workplace winners at the Markham Board of Trade 2019
Business Excellence Awards!
Crown Property Management won the Donald Cousens Conservation & Environmental Leadership award for their commitment to sustainability. Crown is a Corporate Sponsor of the Smart Commute program since 2017, and has implemented SCMRH's Carpool Parking Pass Program at all of their Markham locations to encourage carpooling to work.
LEA Consulting won the Global Business Excellence award for their achievements in business success in markets outside of Canada.

SCMRH and LEA Consulting recently conducted a telework feasibility study, which assessed the benefits of allowing employees to work remotely, thus reducing commuter travel time and costs while improving work-life balance.
Get the latest transit updates in our informative webinar!
Click the video above to view the webinar.
If you have questions about transit, we have answers! On November 19, SCMRH and York Region Transit delivered a webinar about transit route planning, debunking transit myths, and information about the YRT@work program.

SCMRH tailors custom webinars for our workplaces, on topics such as cycling to work, exploring transit, or the benefits of the Smart Commute program for employees.

For more details or to discuss webinar opportunities, please contact info@smartcommutemrh.ca .
SCMRH and York Region Transit partner to deliver
Future Transit Options study at WSP
SCMRH and WSP are working in partnership with York Region Transit to explore opportunities for future transit programs at the Thornhill office, including incentive-based programs, personalized travel planning, and the YRT@Work program. 
 
Throughout late January and early February, SCMRH conducted an online survey with WSP employees where they shared their interest in transit programs, in addition to communicating with SCMRH staff at outreach events, and at bus stops near Leslie Street and Commerce Valley Drive West. Their input will assist SCMRH in delivering transit-focused programs that encourage behaviour change to employees at WSP this spring.
Markham and Richmond Hill Cycling News
Help Markham Cycles Community Bike Hub rescue pre-owned bikes and learn how to repair bike donations, learn advanced mechanic skills, and support your community.

This program is open to any community members interested in learning how to fix mechanical issues on bikes in a comfortable and inclusive environment.

Refurbished bikes will be available for sale at a Spring Fundraiser at the hub.

It's not too early to tune up your bike before cycling season begins!

Evolution Cycles, a local bike shop in Richmond Hill and a longtime supporter of our Bike to Work Day group ride, is offering a Winter Service Special until Saturday, February 29.

Save up to $100 on service packages or drop into their store at 10133 Yonge Street to browse the latest commuter bikes that will take you from home to work this cycling season.

Visit www.evocycles.ca for more information.
MORE COMMUTER NEWS
  • Have you checked out YRT's new trip planner yet? Click here to access real time trip information, detailed schedules, and customized trip plans!
  • Could e-bikes really be the top selling electric vehicle for the next decade? Click here to find out!
  • York Region is committed to ensuring the safety of all commuters, including cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers, on Regional roads. Click here to read more about York Region's Traffic Safety Program.
  • Have you noticed new PRESTO payment devices at Union Station? Tell Metrolinx what you think of the new devices by taking their two-minute survey here.
  • The official PRESTO app by Metrolinx is here! Click here to learn how you can load, manage and pay for transit using the app.
Thank you to our Funders, Sponsors and Partners: