As the first Transportation Management Association (TMA) in Ontario, Smart Commute NTV now serves as a model for the creation of a TMA network across the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton.  The many champions of Smart Commute NTV are role models who encourage others to advocate for, and utilize, sustainable transportation.  We recognize these leaders as essential to the success of reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality in North Toronto and Vaughan.   These champions' efforts have been crucial in bringing together business leaders, government planners and politicians. 

At this time, we would like to honour four of our many champions from various sectors including our Board of Directors, partners, community stakeholders and other advocates of sustainable transportation.  Check back from time to time for updates.
 

  Mayor Linda Jackson, City of Vaughan

The City of Vaughan has been a long-time partner of Smart Commute NTV, and is working to address two top issues for Vaughan citizens and employees: traffic congestion and air quality.  Linda Jackson was elected Mayor of the City of Vaughan in November 2006.  She previously served as Regional Councillor and Ward Councillor in Vaughan.  A long-time resident of Vaughan, Linda grew up in Woodbridge. Linda is an avid gardener and her affinity with nature has shaped her pro-environmental views.  Her top priorities as Mayor for 2006-2010 include a strong commitment to the environment and sustainable growth in Vaughan.

  Mayor David Miller, City of Toronto

Mayor Miller is a steadfast champion of sustainable transportation.  He has worked tirelessly in the political community to advance the TMA model and successfully helped guide the inception of TMAs in Ontario.  As a City Councillor, Mr. Miller was the Co-Chair of the original City of Toronto TMA Steering Committee.

As Mayor of Toronto, Mr. Miller continues to champion the values of Smart Commute NTV.  For example, in the New Deal for Cities, Mayor Miller endorsed a gas tax agreement that allocated investments to Toronto’s public transit system. By reducing traffic congestion and supporting the mobility of people and businesses, public transit is a major factor in keeping Canada’s cities liveable, attractive and more competitive. 

Mayor Miller is also a role model citizen as he regularly practices smart commuting.  He is an avid cyclist and regularly commutes by transit.  He was a keynote speaker at a Smart Commute NTV event emphasizing the need to reduce air pollution and limit emissions that contribute to climate change. Thank you for being the kind of mayor Toronto can be proud of.
 

Councillor Carroll has been a long-time advocate of safe and healthy communities.  Councillor Carroll has worked with businesses in the community, and the Consumers Road area in particular, to help make our Northeast Toronto TMA project a success.  She demonstrated her commitment to sustainable transportation by speaking at the City of Toronto’s launch of its Employee Trip Reduction (ETR) program at the North York Civic Centre on June 28, 2005, and more recently at Smart Commute NTV's Unlock Gridlock transportation showcase event at Enbridge Gas Distribution in September 2006. With the ongoing support of Councillor Carroll, Smart Commute NTV is able to more effectively raise awareness of "Smart Commuting" options, an important first step toward reducing single occupancy vehicle (SOV) reliance and the resulting traffic gridlock and smog.
 

York University 

York University is more than just an active and founding member of Smart Commute NTV.  Since 2000, York University has supported our initiative, housed our project and embraced the many advantages of our TDM services. Working in partnership with this progressive and forward-thinking institution, we have achieved tremendous success in encouraging transit use, carpooling and cycling, thereby reducing infrastructure costs and emissions from drive-alone trips. Recently, we have advocated together for the Spadina Subway Extension, which would not only service York University but create a gateway to York Region, increase transit ridership and link a number of important transit networks.  We would like to thank President  Marsden and Dr. Spence, from York University's Office of the President, the York Communications office and Security, Parking and Transportation Services for their continuous commitment and support. Special gratitude is owed to Nicole Arsenault, Manager, Transportation & Student Services and active Smart Commute NTV Board Member.

Click here to find out more about how Smart Commute NTV is working in partnership with York University.
 

Lawrence Bouchard, Knoll North America Corp.