The City of Guelph is encouraging commuters to take action against air pollution by participating in the Commuter Challenge during Environment Week, taking place June 1-7.
The Commuter Challenge promotes the benefits of using alternative commuting methods to get to work. Guelph residents are encouraged to walk, cycle, ride the bus, carpool or tele-work instead of driving alone to work.
To make the commute easier the City of Guelph is offering free transit service between 5:30 a.m. and 9:15 p.m. on Clean Air Day, Wednesday, June 4.
“Participating in the Commuter Challenge is a fantastic way for residents to try an alternative mode of transportation for a week,” said Jennifer McDowell, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator.
The challenge also focuses on reducing the amount of emissions released during daily commutes. In the 2007 Commuter Challenge, Guelph participants saved 6.7 tonnes of greenhouse gases from being released into the atmosphere.
Sustainable modes of transportation reduce the number of single-passenger vehicles on the road and help cut back on unnecessary vehicle idling. On average, motorists idle their vehicle for five to 10 minutes every day, wasting about $100 in fuel each year. Idling a car for more then 10 seconds uses more fuel than it would take to turn off and restart the car.
The Commuter Challenge is an annual event that aims to increase the awareness of the benefits of sustainable commuting, and encourages Canadians to take action against air pollution. Additional information on the City of Guelph’s Commuter Challenge program can be found online at guelph.ca. To register for the Commuter Challenge visit http://www.commuterchallenge.ca/.