Vancouver and Beyond

Council voted unanimously yesterday to support a sustainable transportation program with incentives for employees who work at City Hall precinct locations. The program aims to reduce single-occupant vehicle commuting to the City Hall precinct from its current share of 37 per cent of employees to less than 25 per cent by 2010.

The incentive package available to employees who travel to work by a sustainable means such as transit, carpooling, cycling or walking includes:

• 35 -50 per cent discount on transit passes
• Faresaver passes for transit
• subsidized parking for car pools
• cycling skills courses, bike maintenance workshops, free bike tune-ups and cycling gear
• walking shoes
• a Guaranteed Ride Home program.

The incentive program will not add to the City’s operating budget. Incentives will be funded through setting up pay parking at the City Hall precinct parking lots.

“The City is showing itself to be a leader when it comes to getting employees out of their cars and in to green commutes. We’re doing our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and I encourage all Vancouverites to do the same,” said Mayor Sullivan.

Council recently approved additional measures promoting sustainable employee transportation options: a contract was approved with the Co-operative Auto Network (CAN) to provide vehicles for City business needs so that employees don’t need to use personal cars for work requirements. Council also approved bike facility improvements at City Hall.

The City is actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Vancouver through action plans and commitments, and to shift all Vancouver citizens towards more sustainable types of transportation. Demonstrating leadership and engaging staff is a key part of that work.
For more information:     
Corporate Communications
604.871.6336