List of Case Studies

Initiative that encourages public servants to use public transportation.

Municipal transportation program that encourages walking and cycling through enhanced infrastructures.

Regional transportation demand management (TDM) initiative leading to creation of four transportation management associations and pilot projects in workplaces and educational institutions.

Reviews the most common barriers and benefits, provides information on general measures that can be taken to encourage active transportation, and also looks at a selection of successful initiatives.

This issue paper examines effective examples of employer-based programs that encourage employees to travel by more sustainable modes. The programs at a number of different workplaces are highlighted, including a university, a large employment campus in a suburban setting, and a hospital.

Non-profit bike lending program in the downtown area, with several hundred members who can borrow one of 170 yellow bikes for up to three days at a time.

A clean burning alternative fuel produced from domestic renewable resources, principally vegetable oils and waste oil products.

This issue paper profiles several Canadian transit authorities that have implemented bus routes intended to meet the increasing demand for a more accessible public transit network for the elderly, who are often characterized by mobility restrictions.

This issue paper reviews the most recent trends in ridesharing, including social networking sites that match up riders, new marketing trends, flexible carpool arrangements and the new technologies that are helping to meet the needs of today’s drivers.

This issue paper also examines some of the most important considerations when creating a successful carpool and looks to the future of ridesharing in Canada

Alternative system of car ownership and access where vehicles are shared amongst a group of individuals.

Region-wide transportation demand management program including bicycle and pedestrian planning, cycling and transit improvements, parking management, ridesharing promotion and other forms of outreach.

An article profiling several residents of Atlantic Canada who have modified their travel habits as a direct result of participation in a sustainable transportation program.

This issue paper profiles several British Columbia residents who speak about how a specific sustainable project or program has changed the way that they travel. Lessons and behaviour changes are examined from a customer point of view, providing valuable information to sustainable transportation practitioners on what motivates people to change travel patterns.

This issue paper profiles several Ontario residents as they speak about how a specific sustainable project or program has changed the way that they travel. Lessons and behaviour changes are examined from a customer point of view, providing valuable information to sustainable transportation practitioners on what motivates people to change travel patterns.

An article profiling several residents of the Canadian Prairies and the Northern Territories who have modified their travel habits as a direct result of participation in a sustainable transportation program.

An article profiling several residents of Quebec who have modified their travel habits as a direct result of participation in a sustainable transportation program.

Smaller sized Canadian city uses innovative private-public partnership to provide residents with sustainable transportation.

This issue paper examines the main aspects of complete streets-including innovative policies, success stories and benefits-and also includes advice from sustainable transportation advocates on what planners need to consider when designing complete streets.

Demonstration of alternatives to regular lane paving in residential lanes (e.g. permeable pavers, concrete driving strips, structural grass, swales) that improve infiltration, calm traffic and improve aesthetics.

This case study examines the Cycling Training for the School Community (CTSC) program, which promotes active transportation by offering bicycle commuting training to Vancouver teachers, support staff and school administrators.

This issue paper examines the links between land use guidelines and sustainable transportation. Also highlighted are Canadian examples of municipal development guidelines that have helped to foster sustainable transportation.

Policy document coordinating sustainable transportation initiatives, with a focus on new bicycle facilities and routes, pedestrian improvements and surface and rapid transit.

Proactive effort by several municipal departments to enable the earliest possible introduction of high-quality transit service in new subdivisions.

This case study profiles the Region of Waterloo's EasyGO Traveller Information System. Information provided includes an examination of how EasyGO was designed to complement and enhance the iXpress rapid bus service. As well, this paper outlines EasyGO's main features, which include an online trip planner, EasyGO next bus call and EasyGO text messaging to get scheduled arrival times at any stop, any time of day.

This case study reviews how eBay's customer support centre in Burnaby, B.C. addressed the issues of limited parking space and a high number of single occupant vehicle commuters. The work by eBay and TransLink, Vancouver's regional transit authority, to a establish a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program to boost employee use of public transit is examined as are the results of the TDM initiatives.

Public-private partnership offering discounted transit passes to commuters, funded mostly by employers and boosting transit ridership at participating workplaces by an average of 45%.

Initiative offering regional employees a 50% discount on tickets to encourage them to commute by transit.

After adopting its environmental policy, Cirque du Soleil implemented a number of programs and measures to reduce the GHG emissions generated by the personal travel of its employees working at its international headquarters, located in Montreal.

Pilot project offering free transit service on smog days, resulting in ridership increases of up to 50%.

An issue paper exploring a number of Canadian driver training programs and policies that help fleet managers cut costs, while meeting their municipality’s long-term environmental goals.

Training program to encourage fuel-efficient driving skills by municipal fleet and transit operators.

Transit service taking passengers between their homes and a commuter rail station, involving 21-seat shuttle buses and a low fare.

Real-time transit management system to offer passengers accurate information on "next bus" arrival times and help staff monitor schedule adherence.

Integrated system of walkways and amenities linking every large park, river, pond and greenspace in the city of St. John's and the neighbouring city of Mount Pearl and Town of Paradise.

Four initiatives at workplaces and schools to promote transportation by cycling, walking, transit and ridesharing.

The program launched by Climate Change Central, was designed to collect on the-ground data on the operation of hybrid vehicles in the taxi industry to assess their comparative operating costs, performance and greenhouse gas emissions. Four taxi companies tested five vehicles and three different models over an 18-month period.

The Hamilton Street Railway (HSR), the public transit division of the City of Hamilton's Public Works Department, recently made transit customer service improvements. This case study examines the changes made by the HSR, and the lessons learned during implementation so that other Canadian municipalities can replicate a strategy that focuses on improving public transit service.

This issue paper summarizes the successes and challenges of HOV facility development in Canada and their utility as transportation demand management tools. Recent research undertaken in both Canada and the United States, where HOV systems are far more common, is also briefly reviewed.

This paper reviews the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid bus operation based on the best information currently available. It reviews types of hybrids, performance, and cost of operation.

This case study examines TransLink's new Real Estate Division, which is taking a proactive approach to transit-oriented development in the Vancouver region. Information is provided on the challenges faced in setting up this new division in order to allow other transit agencies a framework for replicating this unique strategy to increase transit ridership.

A case study examining the integration of pedestrian and bicycle facilities into large-scale infrastructure projects in Canada, based on the specific active transportation policies that support them.

A report on how to facilitate intermodal travel involving public transit, and how the provision of amenities at larger public transit facilities encourages such travel behaviour.

Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) within a bus rapid transit service, including automatic vehicle location, computerized schedule adherence monitoring, traffic signal priority and real-time "next bus" arrival information.

International event intended to educate citizens about the negative impact of cars on quality of life and on the environment.

This issue paper summarizes the most relevant research on the links between Canadians’ health and their access to and use of sustainable and active transportation infrastructure.

The Lunch Express is a free, frequent service bus shuttle service that carries office workers to and from nearby restaurants and shops during lunch hours. This pilot project was designed to ease traffic congestion near their premises, while offering a commuting alternative to the single occupant vehicle.

This issue paper looks at several active transportation marketing campaigns by Canadian municipalities. The focus is on examining best practices in implementation so that other municipalities can replicate marketing strategies that can increase the use of active transportation in their community.

This case study looks at marketing approaches taken by Canadian transit agencies to attract new users, retain existing riders, and promote new transit services. Various marketing strategies in relation to transit services are examined including: market research and segmentation tactics, branding and identity programs, product positions, and individualized and targeted marketing.

A report highlighting how various North American cities are monitoring their bicycle infrastructure networks to ensure investments are attracting more bicyclists, and to inform the design and location of future facilities.

Initiative launched by the Réseau de transport de la Capitale (RTC) to increase transit ridership in Quebec City.

Montreal and its population have characteristics that are conducive to the non-recreational use of bicycles. The City of Montreal's transportation plan seeks to encourage more bicycle trips and fewer trips by car by doubling the bike network, establishing new services for cyclists and improving existing services.

Monitoring is an essential element of Canada's pursuit of sustainable urban transportation. It provides vital support to planning, decision-making, benchmarking, and the ensuring of accountability.

The multimodal bridges case study examines older bridges that have been modified to accommodate walking and cycling, as well as newer bridges whose design allows active forms of transportation in a safe and efficient manner.

On-line interactive trip planner and automated schedule information system that enable personalized transit trip planning.

This case study examines the progress to date for the United State's Non-motorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTTP), in order to provide lessons to Canadian municipalities on actions that will increase non-motorized travel in their community.

Program helping high school students to encourage their peers to walk, cycle, skateboard, in-line skate, take transit and carpool to school.

"On the move to school!" is an educational active transportation program that aims to improve walking and cycling conditions for elementary school children, as well as raise community interest in the health, environmental and safety benefits of active transportation.

Diesel-powered light rail service with 8 km of track and five stations along an existing rail line within a large urban area.

This issue paper summarizes the challenges and successes of parking management in Canada, looking at key examples from government and the private sector from across North America.

The private sector’s most significant recent advance into public transit service provision has been through the creation of public-private partnerships for rapid transit projects in several large cities. It is also involved in more peripheral areas of transit system operation, including customer information, advertising and facility management, and fleet maintenance.

A report examining the benefits, challenges and policies of incorporating public art into various transit operations in North America.

This case study examines the implementation of a 100% electric minibus service in Old Quebec City. Lessons are provided on the technological and programming challenges in implementing this new bus service in an area that presents heritage and geographical issues.

Canada's public transit agencies are working to reduce or eliminate obstacles that limit the accessibility to transit for users with limited mobility. By providing best practice examples, transit agencies can replicate actions that will increase customer comfort and transit ridership.

Promoting sidewalk cafés aimed at encouraging: vitality, pedestrian activity, pedestrian scale, traffic movement and safety standards.

This issue paper examines the impact of municipal policies and actions that have reduced or eliminated car parking in favour of supporting sustainable modes of transportation.

This issue paper explains how CBSM works, reviews the tools and approaches used, and provides examples of programs where these techniques have been applied.

This issue paper explores the most common barriers and benefits of STM initiatives and provides examples of successful programs.

This issue paper looks at self-service public bicycle systems with an examination of: the types of systems available; the benefits bike sharing can provide a municipality; and case studies of successfully implemented systems.

Smart Commute North Toronto, Vaughn - provides a replicable model for developing a Transportation Management Association (TMA), and highlights how effective Transportation Demand Measures (TDM) can be implemented through an innovative partnership program with major employers.

This issue paper examines how transportation affects social issues such as accessibility, community livability, and employment.

The City of Vancouver has set a goal to develop a model of high density, sustainable urban development on the southeast shore of False Creek and is now in the process of preparing an Official Development Plan.

Revitalization project to increase safety, reduce traffic, increase pedestrian and cycling amenities, and create a more aesthetically pleasing community area.

This issue paper looks at how some Canadian municipalities have turned over road space to cyclists and pedestrians on a weekly basis in order to promote non-motorized forms of travel. Lessons are provided to municipalities on how they can implement a car free day in their community.

This issue paper examines some of the most common barriers to implementing sustainable transportation programs in smaller communities, offers some solutions and reviews existing programs operating in small and rural communities across North America.

This paper examines tax mechanisms that can be used to help promote and fund sustainable transportation initiatives. The focus of this issue paper is on the policy rationale behind using certain tax mechanisms, as well as the key issues and challenges encountered by those jurisdictions who have implemented them.

Demand-responsive taxi-based transit service in urban and rural areas, operated by a non-profit corporation and a cooperative of local taxi drivers.

A case study exploring how various international taxi-share initiatives help to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, while providing a more cost-effective travel option for residents and tourists.

This issue paper reviews various transportation demand management strategies that can be implemented by a municipality in order to alleviate traffic congestion caused by an episodic event such as a transit strike, a major storm, or major infrastructure work.

This case study provides an overview of telework issues, initiatives and resources of interest to Canadians.

This case study examines how transportation planners can use a bike planning index to plan out effective and safe bicycle networks in their community.

Outreach program using community-based social marketing techniques to reduce idling by motorists.

Two of Markham's initiatives—the Performance Measures Document (PMD) and its transportation demand management (TDM) program—are the focus of this case study.

Traffic calming measures for local and collector streets in established residential areas in Canada.

Measures to reduce bus delay through dedicated lanes, queue jumps, traffic signal priority, freeway interchange features and traffic management strategies.

Planning of a transit priority pilot project along 6 km of arterial road, using infrared emitter/detector technology on 30 buses and at 11 signalized intersections.

A parking site tax on surface parking areas, parkades and underground parking to help fund a three-year expansion of roads and transit services.

A case study examining the results and lessons learned of the tools TransLink used to manage transportation demand for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, and how they can be applied to smaller events throughout other Canadian municipalities.

This case study reviews some of the major health effects of transportation on young people, potential actions and recommendations, as well as some of the potential future benefits to society.

This case study examines the transportation demand management measures implemented by the City of Laval after a bridge collapse, which shut down a vital piece of infrastructure.

This issue paper examines some of the many TDM programs at Canadian post-secondary institutions, the barriers to and benefits of implementation, and what campus planners need to know when implementing a TDM program.

This case study details the mandate of TransLink, Greater Vancouver's regional transportation provider and regional transportation planning agency, to engage in public consultations on transportation projects within the region. Also examined in this study is TransLink's experience in working with stakeholders and other potentially affected parties through a meaningful consultative process in order to garner wider support and legitimacy for programs, policies and projects.

This case study profiles the implementation of a TravelSmart program by the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority, TransLink. The first of its kind in Canada, the program encourages people to change their personal travel behaviour and increase their use of more sustainable travel modes (i.e. public transit, ridesharing, bicycling and walking) through a combination of personalized information, incentives and rewards.

Integrated land use and transportation planning process intended to improve air quality, reduce energy consumption and reduce capital expenditures.

Development of U-Pass programs at three Canadian universities, from initial research through negotiation, approval, implementation and renewal.

This issue paper provides case study illustrations and guidance to municipalities on how they can implement a bike plan in their community in order to promote bicycling as a form of transportation.

The application of comprehensive pricing approaches to urban transportation.

An issue paper examining how different types of travel ambassadors (spokespeople for active and sustainable transportation) can be used to promote transportation behaviour change.

Planning and initial construction of transit-oriented development around a suburban commuter rail station.

An active transportation social marketing campaign that uses incentive prizes to encourage more people to commute by bicycle during the summer season.

An educational resource unit targeted toward elementary school aged children in Grade 3 to create awareness about more sustainable transportation choices and the impacts their transportation choices have on the environment.