October 17, 2007
www.yorkregion.com - By: Sean Pearce, Staff Writer

National award for commute program

Richmond Hill and Markham have received kudos from the Transportation Association of Canada for their Smart thinking when it comes to sustainable transit.

The joint venture between the two communities, Smart Commute 404-7, received the Sustainable Urban Transportation Award from the Transportation Association of Canada at a conference in Saskatoon Monday.

The award recognizes the partnership of the two towns and their commitment to environmental leadership.

“We are honoured that our urban transportation initiative, Smart Commute 404-7, has been selected as a role model for other communities,” Richmond Hill Mayor David Barrow said. “We are bringing government and local businesses together to find answers to traffic problems.”

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti said, “This is another way we can be partners as we jointly work together to maintain our communities’ quality of life.”

Smart Commute 404-7 was formed in 2005 when Richmond Hill and Markham joined with York Region, the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce and Markham Board of Trade to enhance accessibility and improve mobility between the two areas.
Smart Commute 404-7 promotes alternatives to single person car commuting, such as using public transit, teleworking and carpooling to reduce traffic congestion, increase mobility and create more livable communities.

There is also Smart Commute Central York and Smart Commute North Toronto-Vaughan in York Region.

-----------------------------

For more information on Smart Commute 404-7, call George Flint, Manager of Smart Commute 404-7, at (416) 557-2092 or visit www.smartcommute404-7.ca

Articles