The Halifax Transit SmartTrip Program is an employee benefit program that provides organizations with sustainable commuting options for their employees.
The SmartTrip Program’s goal is to ease traffic congestion by reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips during peak hours and encourage commuters to engage in alternative, sustainable transportation decisions, which contribute to a smaller carbon footprint and cleaner air for all.
Why Join SmartTrip?
SmartTrip currently works with employers who have joined the program to promote:
Corporate Social Responsibility: Supporting sustainable transportation aligns with corporate social responsibility goals by reducing the carbon footprint associated with commuting, thus contributing positively to environmental sustainability.
Health Benefits: Active transportation options such public transit, biking or walking promote employee health and well-being.
Employee Satisfaction and Retention: Providing subsidized sustainable transportation options demonstrates a commitment to employee welfare, enhancing job satisfaction and potentially improving retention rates.
Cost Savings: Encouraging sustainable transportation options like biking, walking, or public transit can reduce costs associated with parking infrastructure and subsidies for employee driving expenses.
Community Relations: By promoting sustainable commuting, employers contribute to improving local air quality and reducing traffic congestion.
To participate in the SmartTrip program, employers are charged an annual fee based on the number of people they employ.
| Workplace Size | Number of Employees | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Workplace Size | Number of Employees | Annual Fee |
| 1-100 | $100 |
| 100+ | $250 |
Benefit Options
Employee Transit Pass (EPass)
Annual discounted transit pass, purchased through payroll deduction, for employees. The EPass offers an annual 12-month pass at the discounted rate of 9 months compared to the cost of purchasing a standard monthly pass. For more information on the EPass program, please click here.
Guaranteed Ride Home Program (GRH)
The SmartTrip GRH program provides employees who are enrolled in the SmartTrip program, or who commute via public transit, carpool/vanpool, walk or cycle at least 3+ times a week with guaranteed transportation home in the event of personal illness or emergency while at work. This service may be used up to 5 times a year.
What events qualify for a Guaranteed Ride Home voucher?
- personal or family illness/emergency
- overtime
- carpool/vanpool partner’s emergency
What does not apply?
- personal errands
- pre-planned medical or dental appointments
- business-related travel
- weather-related transit service delays and disruptions
SmartRide
Currently, the smartridehalifax.ca website matches commuters based on proximity to origin and destination points, travel routes and similar working hours and compatible carpooling preferences.
There are numerous transportation matching options, such as:
- Carpool and vanpool partner(s)
- Cycling and walking
- Transit
Organizations can create their own private page to assist employees with finding travel partners. Registration is free and can be used anytime.
Smart Cycle
Free workshops on cycling. Learn more about how to get around by bike in the municipality and how to incorporate Halifax Transit into your cycling commute. Workshops are be provided on an on-demand basis.
For more information about Smart Trip or how to implement these benefit options in your organization, contact SmartTrip@halifax.ca.