City of Pickering Launches Smart Commute Program Pickering, ON – The City of Pickering is proud to announce that it is the first Durham Region municipality to join the Smart Commute Program. In the fall of 2007, the Regional Municipality of Durham launched its first ever trip reduction program called Smart Commute Durham. It is part of the GTHA-wide Smart Commute initiative (operated by Metrolinx) which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion by reducing single occupant vehicle trips. “The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is an integral part of our Sustainable Pickering journey. The Smart Commute program is a focused initiative which will help to address issues with air quality, traffic congestion and the physical health of our citizens,” said Doug Dickerson, City Councillor – Ward 2 and Chair of the Sustainable Pickering Advisory Committee. “The City of Pickering is pleased to be a leading municipality in Durham Region’s Smart Commute program.” The concept of promoting sustainable transportation options like carpooling, taking transit or cycling is in keeping with tenets of Sustainable Pickering. The first step in the program is underway with municipal staff completing a survey which will identify their commuting habits. “As the gateway municipality to Toronto, Durham and York Regions, the City of Pickering is a major transportation hub in the GTA. Therefore, it is imperative that we take a leadership role in trip reduction programs like Smart Commute,” said Mayor Dave Ryan. “As demonstrated by Earth Hour, the City and its residents are eager to embrace these types of sustainable initiatives. Together, we can make a real and meaningful difference now and for future generations.” - 30 -
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