Partnering for Sustainability – Success Stories

Smart Commute Initiative – as presented by Don Houston, Executive Director

“Partnerships are always difficult. They’re always difficult to create; they’re usually more difficult to keep and maintain. They’re always necessary as well – and often times, they’re the best part of the work.”

The Smart Commute Initiative is a partnership of 11 regional and municipal governments across the GTA and Hamilton, as well as the Federal Government, non-profit groups, and businesses who are working to make commuting more energy efficient through options including car and vanpools, special shuttle services, and tele-working.

It is perhaps the only working partnership of local governments across the GTA. This partnership is possible because all the players share a common interest.

How does it work?

Funding: Smart Commute Initiative receives the majority of its funding from Transport Canada as a Carbon Dioxide emissions reduction strategy.

The Smart Commute Initiative develops innovative strategies to reduce single occupancy vehicle commuting by:
  •  Setting up local smart commute groups
  •  Developing GTA wide carpool and car matching programs
  •  Developing modules that help the local smart commute groups work
  •  Marketing efforts across the GTA
  •  Capturing and sharing the lessons learned

Don Houston's Partnership Tips:
  1) Develop a risk management strategy from the beginning – don’t get stuck relying on a
      partner who doesn't do their part
  2) Use good practices and processes – don’t get hampered by bad processes
  3) Don’t become over-dependent on one partner for funding or anything else
  4) Partners must have a clear understanding of roles, responsibilities and relationships
  5) Successful partnerships must deal with conflict effectively
  6) Partners don’t need to have the same goals, just a common interest in using the same
      means.


Learn more about the Smart Commute Initiative

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