Our team spans several Halifax communities—each of us with unique commuting needs. That’s why we were so excited to learn about the Halifax Regional Municipality’s SmartTrip Program.
This initiative makes it easier and more convenient to choose low-carbon travel with a few great features including discounted annual transit passes for our team. This isn’t hype; it’s a practical way to align our daily actions with a commitment to reduce our environmental impact.
“Supporting sustainable transportation is a key part of our journey toward carbon neutrality. By participating in the SmartTrip Program, we’re empowering our people to make greener choices while strengthening connections within our local community.”
—Scott Gillard, CEO
Hat Tip to District 7 Councillor Laura White
We learned about the SmartTrip Program through an Instagram post by District 7 Councillor Laura White. Laura’s advocacy for safe, affordable, and accessible transit solutions has been invaluable—she champions projects from protected bike lanes to bus-rapid-transit planning.
Her clear communication helps both businesses and residents stay informed and inspired. We’re grateful that Laura’s ongoing efforts shine a spotlight on how municipal leadership can drive meaningful, community-wide change.
About the SmartTrip Program
The SmartTrip Program includes four key components designed to support sustainable commuting:
- EPass – 25% discount on a year of monthly Halifax Transit passes. Learn more.
- Guaranteed Ride Home – If you commute sustainably three or more times per week, you have guaranteed taxi service home in the event of illness or an emergency while at work.
- SmartCycle – Free workshops on cycling in Halifax, plus tips on combining bike rides with public transit.
- CommunAuto Discount – Use your EPass to access Communauto’s Dynamic Duo Value Plan. Rent a car when you need it, without ownership hassles. Find out more.
An Opportunity to Live Our Values
Every trip we take is an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ease traffic congestion. By choosing bus, bike, car-share, or walking, we support healthier streets and a cleaner environment. These everyday choices also help local businesses—whether grabbing coffee near a bus stop or shopping along a bike route, we keep our dollars circulating within our communities. That ticks a few of our values “boxes:” good for the environment, fiercely local, and great for our team.
You can learn more about those “boxes” including about our broader sustainability efforts and community partnerships on our about page.
Getting Started
If you’re interested in the SmartTrip Program, as an employee you can share this post with your employer. As an employer, here’s how to begin:
- Visit the HRM program page and create an account.
- Set a personal goal—whether it’s reducing solo-car trips by 20% or trying a new cycling route this month.
- Share your experience on social media with the hashtag
#SmartTripHalifaxto inspire others.
Together—with informed leadership from people like Councillor Laura White and initiatives like the SmartTrip Program—we can build a cleaner, healthier Halifax for everyone.
Featured Image:Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons