How We Move

travelwise

TravelWise is a program of the Region of Waterloo and is delivered in partnership with Sustainable Waterloo Region. TravelWise offers member organizations tools and services to help employees find innovative and sustainable transportation options that reduce the number of people driving alone on our roads.

Transportation accounts for 49% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in the Waterloo Region.

Member Project Initiatives

In 2021, TravelWise members have initiated and undertaken exciting sustainable transportation-related projects. From building a bike shelter and a cycling grid to installing more EV charging stations. Checkout some of the projects and if you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out via email: travelwise@regionofwaterloo.ca. In 2021, University of Waterloo launched its bike shelter, a resource to provide more secure and covered bike parking on campus. Passionate students initiated the project, which can support 62 bikes. The shelter provides some protection from the elements and complements the campus’ secure bike box program.

Kitchener Downtown Cycling Grid

There’s a new way to get around downtown. Kitchener’s Downtown Cycling Grid encourages people of all ages and abilities to move safely and comfortably by bike. New separated bike lanes on Joseph Street and Water Street – with more to come! – create a trail-like experience in the heart of the downtown, so you can make the sustainable transportation choice. Give it a try, today!

Charging Station Project

In 2021, Natural Resources Canada approved funding for Wilfrid Laurier University to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at the Waterloo campus as part of the Zero Emissions Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). Laurier received $25,000 to install five additional Level 2 EV charging stations, almost doubling the existing EV network. The EV expansion will be completed in two phases and will focus on under serviced areas of the Waterloo campus. Phase one was completed in 2021 with three stations installed in front of the Bricker Academic Building. The second phase will see two stations installed on the east side of campus at the 202 Regina Street Administration Building parking lot.

Market Trail

The Region of Waterloo, in collaboration with the City of Waterloo and Township of Woolwich, is wrapping up construction on a new multi-use trail connecting ION light rail to the St Jacobs Market District and beyond!

The Market Trail is a 1.5km paved multi-use trail from Northfield ION Station to Farmers Market Road. This unique “rail with trail” project follows a railway used primarily by Waterloo Central Railway for historic passenger train rides, and better connects local employers like the Waterloo Innovation Park to high frequency transit. The trail is fully lit and will be winter maintained – serving as a leading example of all ages, abilities, and all seasons of active transportation infrastructure.

The Market Trail connects people walking and cycling directly to St Jacobs Farm Market – supporting sustainable local tourism and access to local food.

University of Waterloo Station’s New Transit Plaza

  • The Region has built a new bus-only roadway and dedicated platforms between Phillip Street and Ring Road, next to University of Waterloo ION Light Rail Station. The new “transit plaza” includes five bus platforms and several customer amenities, including heated shelters, real-time bus information, and dedicated multi-use trails that connect riders to the Laurel Trail and Phillip Street bike lanes.
  • The station and new transit plaza provide easy access to transit for students, faculty and staff at the University’s main campus. All bus platforms are now being served by Grand River Transit.  Routes 201, 9, 13, 19, 30 and 31 directly connect to University of Waterloo ION Station through the transit plaza. The new Route 30 Ring Road will serve all existing Ring Road stops, connecting campus buildings to the new station. GO Transit and future intercity buses will use dedicated platforms in the transit plaza for seamless connections for riders traveling beyond the Region.
  • The transit plaza creates a seamless, integrated sustainable transportation network connecting GRT buses, ION trains, and commuters walking and biking from the Laurel Trail and Phillip Street.

Emergency Ride Home Reimbursement online form

  • Employees at a participating TravelWise workplace are eligible for Emergency Ride Home reimbursement if they commute sustainably to work then encounter an emergency during the day. They can request reimbursement of up to $75 for their emergency transportation costs. Multiple stops/modes on a single trip can be covered (e.g., Cost of a rideshare trip to their child’s school then home or the combined costs of a taxi trip and a GO Transit trip).
  • The Emergency Ride Home Service may be used for unplanned reasons up to four times per calendar year. Commuters who drive alone to work using their personal automobile are not eligible for the Emergency Ride Home Service.
  • It is now easy to obtain more information and fill-up the reimbursement form. Just visit the TravelWise Emergency Ride Home Reimbursement Program on the GRT web site.

Fare Card Loan Program

  • Sometimes employees who have off-site meetings feel like they need to drive to work so that they have access to a car to get to their meeting. Employers can support more sustainable commuting by encouraging employees to use transit for business travel. 
  • By launching a Transit Fare Card Loan Program, and provide pre-loaded GRT EasyGo fare cards that employees can use to get to their meetings. This is similar to reimbursing employees for their mileage, and it sends a clear message that your workplace encourages sustainable commuting for business travel.
  • Email TravelWise@regionofwaterloo.ca for more information about this program.