Best Workplaces for Commuters: York University

Where:	Mode of Transport:	Type of intervention:
Toronto, Ontario, Canada	Public transit, Carpooling, Cycling	Best Workplaces for Commuters, Best University

The Opportunity

York University, also known as YorkU, is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is Canada’s third-largest university, and it has approximately 55,700 students, 7,000 faculty and staff. York U has set ambitious sustainability goals to foster environmental protection, sustainable development, and responsible stewardship within the university community. YorkU recognizes that providing staff and students with sustainable transportation choices and supporting their individual commuting needs is an essential component of its environmental commitment. YorkU has been recognized for these outstanding efforts by the BWC program.

The Results

As of 2023, York University has been awarded the Best Universities for Commuters designation for its first year and is the first university in Canada to receive this designation. YorkU Transportation Services encourages commuting to the University through alternative transportation such as public transit, carpools, bicycling or walking. Despite the growth in enrollment in recent years, Transportation Services has managed to increase the percentage of York community members commuting to both campuses by means other than single occupancy vehicles. This effort has paid off by reducing the demand for parking and therefore, prioritizing campus space for campus activities. Currently, more than 80% of York University students, faculty and staff use alternative means of transportation to campus.

The high percentage of alternative transit is enabled by:

• YorkU has partnered with the Smart Commute program to facilitate transportation demand management services, such as the Emergency Ride Home service for employees who commute sustainably to campus.
• Free shuttle services are offered between the Glendon and Keele campuses and from Keele Campus to the Village at York University. 
• The campus features extensive cycling infrastructure such as bike lanes, bike racks and posts, secure storage areas and shower facilities. Additionally, the Regenesis Cycle York Community Bike Centre provides free cycling education, low-cost bike rentals, DIY bike repair and expert mechanic services. 
• YorkU is a major transit hub with two subway stations and local transit buses servicing the Keele Campus daily. The University partners with a number of the GTA’s local transit agencies, including Brampton Transit (Zum), GO Transit/Metrolinx, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and York Region Transit/VIVA to improve public transit options to the campuses.
• YorkU has implemented a discount transit pass program with transit agencies. 
• Since the pandemic, YorkU has moved to a transitional remote work arrangement that is consistent with Canada’s top 100 employers and promotes sustainability.

York University will continue to push initiatives that expand sustainable transit to their campuses and increase the quality of life for their campus community.

Source: York U Office of Sustainability and York U Office of Transportation.