Reducing traffic congestion in the city was the focus of a new program presented to 麻豆精选 council Sep. 25.
The 麻豆精选 Employer Commute Trip Reduction Program aims to improve traffic flow and reduce emissions encouraging commuters to use alternate modes of travel.
Employers can support their employees by offering flexible working hours and work-from-home options where feasible.
Interviewees for the program included the city, 麻豆精选 General Hospital, Interior Health, Okanagan College, UBC Okanagan, and Orchard Park Mall.
Jennifer Hostlund, with the city鈥檚 integrated transportation department, told council that similar programs have had proven results in larger cities.
鈥淏etween 2016 and 2019 the City of Toronto annual survey data showed a 5.4 per cent reduction in drive-alone rate among participating workplaces,鈥� she said.
Hostlund added the program can help 麻豆精选 achieve its climate goals and directions set out in the 2040 Transportation Master Plan.
Council had difficulty warming up to the program.
鈥淚鈥檝e seen other implementations of car share programs over the years but sadly I just don鈥檛 think we鈥檝e seen a lot of adoption by the general public,鈥� said Coun. Luke Stack.
There were also questions about what key indicators would be used for the program, as they were not definitive in the report for some councillors.
鈥淚t鈥檚 too nebulous for me,鈥� said Coun. Ron Cannan. 鈥淚f you can鈥檛 manage, you can鈥檛 measure so I wouldn鈥檛 be supportive.鈥�
Staff told council that a three-year pilot for the program would cost approximately $150,000.
Council voted to receive the report for information.
READ MORE: Concerns of lighting up housing costs as 麻豆精选 council considers EV readiness
READ MORE: Managing micro suites major muddle for 麻豆精选 council
