Surviving the strike

Looking for eco-friendly alternatives to getting around during the city’s surprise transit strike? With a little planning, you might find that walking, cycling or carpooling will do the trick while saving you money on fuel, improving your health and keeping the planet clean.

Check out Smart Commute, an initiative of Metrolinx (the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority) and the GTA and Hamilton. Smart Commute was designed to help curb traffic congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the use of commuter options like biking and carpooling. The program offers carpooling and vanpooling services and tips on walking and cycling. Since its inception about three years ago, Smart Commute has helped pull over 10,000 cars per day off Toronto streets, reducing air pollution by more than 100,000 kg.

A list of parking lots available free of charge to carpoolers at 14 designated city community centres can be found on the City of Toronto’s website, along with info on new carpool lanes. The Ministry of Transportation also offers free carpool parking at designated highway interchanges.

Need a bike in a hurry? The Community Bicycle Network has bikes available for rent at $10 a day. They also recycle donated bikes for sale. Call 416.534.2066 or check the CBN website for more info.

Take advantage of the city’s 214 km of bike lanes. The Toronto Cycling Map shows all bicycle lanes, paths and routes and provides safety tips and cycling resources - and it’s free!