News Release

HRM Announces SMART Car Program

(Wednesday, April 22, 2009) - Mayor Peter Kelly announced HRM’s new SMART Car Program today. This initiative is part of the Commuter Options Program that works with staff to encourage the use of sustainable modes of transportation for commuting to work. “ We hope that staff will choose more sustainable modes of transportation for commuting when they have the option of using the SMART cars to attend work-related meetings during the workday”, said Mayor Peter Kelly. “We anticipate that over the next few years we will see a reduction in personal local expense claims as well as a reduction in greenhouse gas emission through the use of fuel efficient cars, he continued.

Informing, educating and promoting sustainable travel modes for commuters such as ridematching, biking, walking, public transit, and telecommuting is integral to the Commuter Options Program. This program is part of a broader initiative to encourage all residents of HRM to choose sustainable commuting options.

This SMART Car program is in keeping with HRM's strong dedication to the environment and to ensuring we have a healthy, vibrant and sustainable community. The municipality has established a number of clean air, land, water and energy initiatives including a world-class waste management program, a pesticide use by-law & reduction program, active transportation plan, corporate and community greenhouse gas emission plans & targets, and a climate change strategy. HRM will continue to lead by example with ventures such as the Smart Car program.

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Contact:

Mayor Peter Kelly, Halifax Regional Municipality, phone: 490-4010
Roxane MacInnis, Transportation Demand Management Planner, Halifax Regional Municipality, phone 490-4160 or macinnr@halifax.ca