Traffic congestion is already a problem across the GTA and will only get worse as our community continues to grow. Congestion results in lost time, lower productivity, and higher transportation costs, to name a few. Many studies show how the stress of the daily commute on congested roads negatively affects a worker’s quality of life and the quality of their work. Regional and municipal governments have made a commitment to build more roads and expand public transit services but this is only part of the solution.

Markham Transportation Planning Study

The City of Markham is pursuing many initiatives to reduce the dependence on the automobile. Changing our philosophy about travel will take time. The philosophy is not to eliminate the automobile but to provide alternatives to reduce the dependence on the automobile as the primary mode of travel in Markham. Markham has a four-point transportation strategy (MTPS-2002), which is the blueprint for transportation over the next 20 years.

Short, medium and long-term objectives will ensure that growth related demands are effectively managed.

1. Rapid Transit
2. Roads Network
3. Policies
4. Education and Support Programs

Smart Commute

Are you a S-M-A-R-T Commute candidate? Find out by seeing if you answer "yes" to any of the following questions and use the Commute Cost Calculator to see what savings you'll enjoy.

• Do you drive more than 30 minutes to work?
• Do you live close to a bus stop?
• Do you live 5 km or less from work?
• Are you thinking about getting regular exercise?
• Do you have a second or third vehicle that may need replacing soon?

Smart Commute Markham Richmond Hill TMA helps local employers and commuters, like you, explore different commute choices like carpooling, cycling and transit. Their goal is to ease gridlock, improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while making your commute less expensive and more enjoyable.
The 3 fold purpose of Smart Commute is as follows;

• Help employers in Markham and Richmond Hill improve their productivity; improve the quality of life for their employees, customers, and visitors; have a positive impact on the environment, i.e. air quality;
• Be a single source of information to show members how to use commuting options to save time and money;
• Represent the interests of our business community on transportation issues to relevant bodies.

For more information please visit: Smart Commute Markham - Richmond Hill or contact the City of Markham, Engineering Department at 905-477-7000 extension 6580 or email customerservice@markham.ca.

Travel Demand Management

The success of Markham's efforts to make its transportation system more efficient and sustainable will depend on the city’s application of a wide range of tools.

Three types of strategies will be most helpful:

• supportive land use practices;
• improved transportation facilities and services, and;
• transportation demand management (TDM) measures.

TDM measures include policies, programs, services and products that influence whether, why, when, where and how people travel. They work by shaping the economic and social factors behind personal travel decisions. TDM is not a substitute for investment in infrastructure but it complements investments in walking, cycling and transit facilities by making them more effective.

By improving individuals’ awareness of different travel options, their understanding of how to use those options, and their willingness to try those options, TDM increases the likelihood that they will make informed choices.

For more information about TDM please visit: Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Database - Transport Canada or contact the City of Markham, Engineering Department at 905-477-7000 extension 6580 or email customerservice@markham.ca.

Active & Safe Routes to School

The Active & Safe Routes to School program encourages the safe and active travel of students to and from school. The program provides a number of campaigns and events designed to help clear the air, create safer neighbourhood routes for children, increase physical activity levels and foster community spirit. International Walk to School Day is celebrated across the globe in October and gives schools a good first step to walking to school year round. Once parents and children discover the benefits they might consider starting a Walking School Bus and if just nine families participate regularly they can collectively prevent almost 1,000 kg of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.

For more information please visit: Green Communities | Active & Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) or contact the City of Markham Engineering Department at 905-477-7000 extension 6580 or email customerservice@markham.ca.

Travel Smart Cornell

Travel Smart is a pilot project designed to do just that! Travel Smart is a York Region, City of Markham and City of Vaughan pilot project that makes active and sustainable travelling easier and more attractive. We’re here to reduce traffic congestion, take action on climate change, and manage growth through efficient transportation. Our goal is to help you get to work, to school, even to the corner store in ways other than driving alone. Swapping just one or two car trips a week for a walk, bike ride, or bus trip can help improve your personal fitness levels, decrease your gas expenses, improve air quality, and enhance community vitality and safety.

The Travel Smart program has been made possible by funding from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Municipal Grant Program. The program provides financial assistance to Ontario municipalities for the development and implementation of TDM plans, programs, and services that promote alternatives to driving alone. The TDM Grant Program supports projects that produce the kinds of programs, education, awareness, and practical tools that help make sustainable transportation a reality in Ontario.

For more information please contact the City of Markham Engineering Department at 905-477-7000 extension 6580 or email customerservice@markham.ca.

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