The Smart Commute program is an initiative in Ontario that offers commuting services at workplaces to empower new possibilities for how Ontarians commute.
As a purpose-driven initiative, the Smart Commute program educates and improves access to sustainable commuting options (e.g., carpooling, public transit, cycling, scooters, and more). The efforts align with boarder societal goals of:
- Fighting traffic congestion by promoting multi-modal transportation
- Improving commuter quality of life
- Reducing negative environmental impacts, such as air pollution
The Smart Commute North Toronto, Vaughan region is managed by pointA,
a non-profit that has been helping businesses commute more sustainably for 20 years. pointA works with organizations in Toronto (north of Eglinton) and Vaughan. They also operate in Northeast Toronto (Scarborough and Etobicoke). Our office is part of the Smart Commute program in the City of Toronto
and York Region. See
the Smart Commute service area map for more information.
Programs and Services
Smart Commute offers customized programming to encourage employees to make the switch from driving alone to
more sustainable forms of transportation such as carpooling, transit, cycling, and more!
Our Smart Commute services include, but are not limited to:
- The Smart Commute App (SmartCommute.ca): A free web and mobile app to help users explore their options for sustainable commuting across Ontario
- Emergency Ride Home: Employees who commute sustainably and experience an unforeseen emergency can be reimbursed for their taxi or Uber/Lyft trip back home (up to $75)
- Annual Campaigns: Smart Commute hosts three month-long campaigns (Winter Commute Month in February; Bike Month in June; Smart Commute Month in September) to encourage Ontarians to commute more sustainably. Users who log their trips on our app can enter for a prize draw of e-gift cards. Additionally, Smart Commute organize in-person events and outreaches, along with informative webinars on topics related to commuting (e.g., electric vehicle, bike lanes, e-scooters). See our recordings of past webinars here.
- Site Assessment: Smart Commute would visit your workplace to identifying existing commuting infrastructure to understand how existing or missing infrastructure affects commuting options. The team can create a Workplace Travel document that highlights all existing routes in various transportation modes, as part of a new hire package
- Commuter Assessment: Smart Commute would develop and conduct a survey to understand employee commuting patterns, barriers, and needs. This data collection helps the team identify unique needs and challenges that better inform unique Smart Commute programming
- Workplace Champion Support: A dedicated Smart Commute staff would work with the designated workplace champion(s) to plan and deliver Smart Commute programming in the organization.
- Employee Engagement: Smart Commute may visit in-person or host on-line events to engage employees on exciting Smart Commute programming and events.
- Marketing and Communications: Smart Commute with work with your workplace champion and marketing staff to provide appropriate marketing resources and support to promote programming
Smart Commute App (SmartCommute.ca)
The Smart Commute app can help everyone find others (especially those within the same organization or workplace location) to commute with, explore their travel options, and log their trips to learn about their personal impacts (e.g., how much distance they have travelled, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions they reduced, and money saved. Download the app now on the App Store, get it on
Google
Play, or check out the web version.
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.
Trip Buddies
Match with other users to 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, attend an event, or to workplace on an
irregular schedule.
Bike Month 2025
Bike Month is a month-long celebration of all things cycling in Ontario. Smart Commute invites everyone to get on their bike, whether for commuting to work or school, running errands, visiting friends/family or for fun! Using the Smart Commute app (Smartcommute.ca), it is easy to plan a bike trip in your community, log your trips, and monitor your stats throughout the month. Additionally, logging your trips will allow you to potentially win a $50 e-gift card! See our Toronto or York Region Contest Rules.
The campaign runs from Sunday, June 1st to Monday, June 30th and features dozens of events across many regions in Ontario, including community rides, webinars, contests, and more.
For more information on our events during Bike Month, go to our Events and Campaigns link here.
Join the Smart Commute Program
Want to learn more about the Smart Commute program or are already convinced in joining our program?Complete our form to tell us more about your organization and we will be in touch to discuss how we can deliver the Smart Commute program at your workplace.
You can also send us an email at info@smartcommutentv.ca for more information.
To learn more
Visit pointA's Smart Commute page to learn more.