Markham extends funding for Smart Commute

Markham nearly seized funding for Smart Commute Markham Richmond Hill (SCMRH). In collaboration with, employers, partners, and local municipalities, Smart Commute delivers  Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies.

SCMRH helps residents who commute to work find alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle trips during peak traffic periods. Such as public transit, biking, and carpooling. 

However, the city decided there was not enough measurable proof that SCMRH changed how people commute to work. SCMRH manager Wincy Tsang defended her organization and requested further funding.

“Request the council maintain our annual funding to ensure the continued delivery of the essential TDM services to our business partner with 18 years of frontline expertise,” Tsang said. “Our work optimizes Markham’s infrastructure by delivering tangible TDM benefits to local businesses and the community.”

After further consideration by the council, Mayor Frank Scarpitti suggested extending funding for another year.

“I have been a long-time and strong supporter of the Smart Commute program,” Scarpitti said, “I would like to suggest we, in fact, extend this for another year.”

For more information on Smart Commute, visit https://www.smartcommute.ca/public/home.aspxhere.