Take Action Burlington

Do you currently drive to work without any passengers? Have you ever considered carpooling? Continue reading to find out how to get started.

What are the benefits of carpooling?

• Economic benefits include savings on gas*, vehicle wear-and-tear and parking fees (assuming you and/or your carpool partner currently pay for parking). Calculate your potential savings by using the carpool savings calculator.
• Environmental benefits include reduced vehicle emissions* that contribute to climate change and local air pollution.
• Social benefits include companionship and a less stressful drive as you can choose to be a driver or a passenger.
• Other benefits include preferential carpool parking and the use of the HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes resulting in a shorter commute time. Register at least one carpool trip between Feb. 6 and 12 for a chance to win one of three, $500 VIA Rail travel vouchers.

(*This is based on the assumption that your vehicle is not a battery electric vehicle (BEV).)

How does this work?

If you live or work within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, you have access to Smart Commute, which is a program of Metrolinx. Of the 330 workplaces that were registered as of Jan. 2017, 31 of them are in Halton representing over 21,000 employees and students. Don’t worry if your workplace is not registered as you can still sign up as an individual at www.smartcommute.ca/carpool.

How do I register?

How do I search and post carpools?

I’ve found a match! Now what?

Set up a meeting in a public place to confirm details. Exchange your contact information. Agree to ground rules for smoking, eating, perfume/colognes, cost sharing if you are not equally sharing the driving responsibility, etc. Other great tips for a successful carpool partnership are provided on the Smart Commute website.

For more information, please visit www.smartcommute.ca/carpool.

Take Action Burlington! Collectively we can make our commute more sustainable.